Sculptures of seven separate, kneeling wire frame human figures on granite pedestals define Tolerance, by Jaume Plensa. Approximately 10 feet high, each figure rests on a Spanish boulder and is composed of the artist’s signature metal alphabet mesh.
Privately funded through donors working with the Houston Arts Alliance and Greater Houston Community Foundation, sculptor Jaume Plensa was commissioned to produce these seven stainless steel human figures that were installed in 2011. Lettering from nine different alphabets is featured across the sculptures.
Dedicated to victims of hate crimes and specifically to David Ritcheson, Tolerance was originally connected to the Tolerance Bridge project, although the bridge was completed in a different manner as the Rosemont Bridge. The idea of celebrating tolerance was carried over to Plensa’s work though, as the sculptures are intended to reflect Houston’s unity and diversity and acceptance of all different types of people and cultures.
Plensa mentioned that he grew up in a forest of books and sees letters as a metaphor for human beings, inspiring the Tolerance sculptures on multiple levels. The pieces are designed to reflect the pluralism and harmony of mankind, with the seven figures representing the seven continents.
The diversity and tolerance of the entire Houston community is something stakeholders wanted to see reflected in the piece, which one of the project stakeholders described as harmony in people’s differences. These differences are literally reflected in the pieces that Plensa created, with characters and symbols from many different languages. The letters and arrangements do not spell words and have no direct significance, further enabling audiences to connect with the messaging inherent in each individual sculpture that is related to harmony and connection. Audiences can search for, discover and create their own messages and meanings.
Shining in the sunlight and illuminated in spectacular fashion at night, Tolerance is a literal beacon to both residents and visitors. It showcases the harmony and acceptance of the surrounding Houston community but is also connected to a concept that resonates across multiple eras of the city.
