“Good Boy, Bad Boy” is an installation artwork created by Bruce Nauman in 1985. It is associated with the Minimalism art movement. The artwork features text in neon lights organized in a grid pattern bound within rectangular frames, with the words divided into different phrases and sentences. These phrases alternate between messages of conformity and rebellion, subverting straightforward interpretations of good and bad behaviors.
The artwork displays a sequence of numbered sentences that begin with “1. I WAS A GOOD BOY” and include contrasting sentiments such as “19. WE ARE BAD MEN” and “34. WE LOVE YOU”. The use of vibrant neon lights portrays a cacophony of emotions and attitudes, starkly presented against a dark backdrop. It reflects Nauman’s interest in language and its psychological impact, embodying a complex interplay of meaning, identity, and morality. Each lit phrase illuminates a facet of human behavior, challenging the viewer’s perception of ethical dichotomies within societal norms.