The United States Constitution SeriesThe Bill of RightsPerhaps the greatest contribution the United States of America has made to the world is its constitution. The first ten amendments, known as The Bill of Rights, have become the cornerstone of modern concepts of human rights. Their relevance in the 21st Century cannot be overemphasized. Since 1993 I have been producing and exhibiting a series of Book Art objects to call attention to the uses and abuses of these rights, in America and elsewhere. The first three unique objects, representing the first, second, and eighth amendments, are illustrated on this page. The original concept was to assemble ten unique works as a traveling exhibition. The concept has evolved. Instead of creating ten unique book objects, there is an edition of 25 copies of a set of ten works. The edition works are not copies of the unique objects already produced. They have been created for this edition. An exhibition of the complete set was at the Louis K. Meisel Gallery April 27 through June 1, 2002, and has been traveling since then. Click here for more information about the edition and photos of the works, information about where you can see it, reviews and more. |
The First Amendment This was the first unique book art object created by Minsky in the United States Constitution series. It is in the collection
of The Allan Stone Gallery. The Bill of Rights Amendment ICongress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Amendment IIA well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Amendment IIINo soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law. Amendment IVThe right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. Amendment VNo person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the militia, when in actual service in time of war or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation. Amendment VIIn all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense. Amendment VIIIn suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law. Amendment VIIIExcessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. Amendment IXThe enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people. Amendment X The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. |
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