Two Sets (One with Bench) (C.-H. 49), 1989-90

Two Sets (One with Bench) (C.-H. 49), 1989-90 by John Baldessari exemplifies the artist's mastery of conceptual art through his signature use of found imagery, abstraction, and subtle visual humor. In this work, Baldessari explores the relationship between object and meaning by presenting two sets of seemingly unrelated images—one featuring a bench—juxtaposed in a way that encourages the viewer to question their connection. The bench, often seen as an ordinary, utilitarian object, becomes central to the composition, forcing viewers to contemplate its symbolic weight and presence in relation to the other images.

Throughout his career, Baldessari was known for deconstructing the traditional narratives associated with images and language, frequently merging the two to expose the limitations and absurdities of visual interpretation. Two Sets (One with Bench) is a continuation of this exploration, using minimal imagery and text to create a composition that is open-ended and invites multiple interpretations. His practice of isolating objects and recontextualizing them plays with how we assign meaning to familiar things.

This work, created during the late 1980s and early 1990s, reflects Baldessari’s ongoing critique of art, image-making, and communication in a postmodern context. By disrupting the viewer's expectations and creating tension between the familiar and the abstract, Baldessari challenges the conventional ways in which images are consumed and understood.

This museum-quality piece is a testament to Baldessari’s influential role in contemporary art, illustrating his continued dedication to questioning the relationship between art, object, and meaning. Two Sets (One with Bench) highlights his enduring influence on conceptual art and his ability to provoke thought through seemingly simple visual arrangements.