words tend to be inadequate

—Jenny Holzer, from her “Truisms” series

ideasin our society

What is important in our society?

What is true in our society?

What is valued in our society?

peoplein our society

Who is heard in our society?

Who is respected in our society?

Who is ignored in our society?

These are some questions that American artist, Jenny Holzer explores through her work.

MainstreaM cultureCore beliefs, values, and behaviors that have been maintained and are accepted by a majority of Americans.

autHoritatiVe VoiceClearly accurate or knowledgeable

*Consider how location, medium, and / or person delivering message changes the listeners / viewers perception

FraMeworK 1970s

People questioning social structures

(class, gender roles, race)

Discontent with the U.S. government

due to Vietnam War.

GoalTo sharpen people’s awareness of the usual baloney they are fed in daily life.

—Tate

worKPlaces texts on a variety of locations and materials which are usually reserved for “authorities”

best Known ForSeries title: “Truisms” 1977–PresentA series of common statements (in the US) and random phrases which seem to be rooted in tradition.

your actions are pointless if no one notices

romantic love was invented to manipulate women

selfishness is the most basic motivation

selflessness is the highest achievement

tHeater MarqueesPart of “Truisms” Series1977–Present

plaquesSeries title: “The Living Series” Began in 1989

buildinGsSeries title: “Projections” 1993–PresentWorldwide

Text: Utilizes a variety of phrases and sayings. Includes things that she has written and things other people have written.

led walls & MoreVarious projects1982–Present

aestHetics

Holzer’s work has impact because it appears in places that typically feature commercial or governmental messages

*Consider how a message changes when it is placed on a t-shirt? On a giant LED screen?

Her “Truisms” seem more “true” because they are typeset and not handmade

discussion

What does it mean for a text to be authoritative?

How do we react/interpret physically, mentally, emotionally to texts in our environment?

conclusion

Holzers work is important because it invites us to consider...

How messages are more authoritative in specific contexts…

How messages can be viewed from multiple perspectives…

Whether or not any message can be fully “right” or “true.”

tHe assiGnMent

Before we begin, please remember...

boredoM MaKes you do crazy tHinGs

don’t place too MucH trust in experts

it’s better to be a Good person tHan a FaMous person

—Jenny Holzer, from her “Truism” series

tHe assiGnMentFor real tHis tiMe

step 1:Write your own “Truism.”It can be about anything, directed towards anyone, yourself, others, people in power.It can be serious, humurous, sarcastic. Anything that you want, really.

step 2:Design a postcard using your “Truism.”

step 3:Mail it to anyone you want. Barack Obama? CEO of a big company? Oregon State Representative? Owner of a local business chain?

Go FortH!

sourcesJenny Holzer - Projections. Web. 24 Oct. 2011. <http://www.jennyholzer.com/>.

“Jenny Holzer.” Cheim & Read. Web. 24 Oct. 2011. <http://www.cheimread.com/

artists/jenny-holzer/?view=selected>.

“Jenny Holzer: Truisms.” Tiere, Die Dem Kaiser Gehören. Web. 24 Oct. 2011. <http://

mfx.dasburo.com/art/truisms.html>.

“Tate Collection | Truisms by Jenny Holzer.” Tate: British and International Modern

and Contemporary Art. Web. 24 Oct. 2011. <http://www.tate.org.uk/servlet/

ViewWork?workid=6691>.