Beneath this unassuming sign lies a profound dialogue about justice. This is Platz der Grundrechte Schild 1. This artwork prompts us to consider what “law” truly means.
The Platz der Grundrechte is a city-wide art installation by Jochen Gerz. It sparks public discussion about important social issues. The artist created this installation between 2002 and 2005 for the city of Karlsruhe. It highlights Karlsruhe’s special relationship with law and national institutions.
This decentralized version of the Platz der Grundrechte includes 24 signs throughout the city. These locations were chosen by Karlsruhe citizens and debated in public forums. Many sites have witnessed justice and injustice. Together, they reveal the city’s history from the perspective of its residents.
Each sign in the Platz der Grundrechte features statements from lawyers and citizens. These people have experienced the legal system firsthand. One side presents a jurist’s view. The other side shares a citizen’s experience. Reading these signs reveals how closely related law and injustice can be. It shows how personal perspectives shape our understanding of justice.
Schild 1, specifically, stands at the Rhine River near the entrance to the Karlsruher Rheinhafen. It marks the location of the ship reporting center. The first side of Schild 1 states: “The justice I feel is not shared by all. What is right cannot be independent of what I feel. There are many ways to delay or conceal democratic rights. I say this, assuming that I live in a state of law and that one’s own right cannot be the law.”
The second side offers a contrasting viewpoint: “It cannot be that we devise rules that are predictable, but go against the grain for many people. On the one hand, we must cope with the complexity of the world. On the other hand, in our daily environment, we can only deal with legal rules that have a certain simplicity in individual cases.”
The Platz der Grundrechte invites us to explore Karlsruhe. It encourages us to view the topic of law from a fresh perspective. Each location connects to justice in unique ways. Take a moment to reflect on the words presented here. Consider how they resonate with your own understanding of rights and responsibilities. This is more than just a sign. It is an invitation to engage in a vital conversation.