L.A. Justice Statue Reimagines Symbolism
Artist challenged tradition, embedding community voice
A towering bronze sculpture of Lady Justice outside the L.A. County Hall of Justice offers a profound reimagining of a centuries-old symbol, reflecting the city’s diverse populace and complex history. Artist Alison Saar intentionally steered away from traditional iconography, opting for a design that resonates with contemporary L.A.
Challenging the Icon
When commissioned in 2014, Saar faced a stark request from then-L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca. He presented a classic Lady Justice: sword, scales, and blindfold.
“He came into the office and plopped down a traditional Lady Justice and he says, ‘This is what I want,’” Saar said.
For Saar, this depiction felt disconnected from lived experiences. She interpreted the sword as representing systemic violence and the scales as reflecting financial disparities. The blindfold, she felt, obscured compassion.
“Embodied” Speaks to L.A.
Saar‘s 12-foot bronze creation, “Embodied,” was unveiled in 2014. Unlike the traditional figure, Saar‘s Lady Justice is adorned with words in multiple languages—English, Spanish, Chinese, and others—gathered from students and community members. Words like “advocate,” “punishment,” “virtud,” and “kousei” are etched into the sculpture’s surface.
The face of “Embodied” is a composite, representing the diverse ethnicities of Los Angeles. A three-strand braid trailing from her head symbolizes law enforcement, the courts, and the populace, highlighting their interconnectedness for justice to function effectively.
A Site Steeped in History
The location itself carries a heavy legacy. Standing before the sculpture, one can sense the historical landscape. From the 1850s to the 1870s, the area was the site of numerous lynchings, often fueled by vague accusations.
Saar noted this history, stating, “I think the last documented lynching took place up on that hill; a lot of bad stuff happened on that hill.” The nearly 90-year-old U.S. Court House opposite the statue stands on land once used as a slave market, where Indigenous people were legally sold into bondage.
The site also bears the memory of the 1940s Sleepy Lagoon case and many other significant events, contributing to its intense atmosphere.
Public Art for All
Public art holds a crucial place in Saar‘s artistic practice. Her portfolio includes a Harriet Tubman memorial in Harlem and a sculpture for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Locally, a piece at the Artesia Transit Center celebrates a rare willow marsh.
Saar emphasizes the accessibility of public art: “[Public art] is a really important component of what Los Angeles is,” she stated. It offers opportunities for contemplation and connection, making art available to everyone.