Who is Jenny Holzer? An Artist Biography

Jenny Holzer is an American neo-conceptual artist known for her provocative text-based art installations. Born on July 29, 1950, in Gallipolis, Ohio, she studied at Duke University and then at the Rhode Island School of Design. Holzer emerged as a central figure in the 1980s art scene, gaining recognition for her conceptual artworks that use language as their primary medium.

The main focus of her work is the delivery of words and ideas in public spaces and includes large scale installations. Her work often features short, impactful phrases, aphorisms, or even entire texts, which she displays in various public spaces, including billboards, electronic signs, LED displays, and projections onto buildings. Through her use of language, Holzer addresses themes such as power, violence, politics, gender, and the human condition. She often employs a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on the direct communication of her messages.

Holzer's art blurs the lines between art and activism, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and themselves. She has exhibited her work in museums and galleries worldwide, and her installations have become iconic landmarks in cities around the globe. In addition to her public installations, Holzer has also created paintings, prints, sculptures, and other works of art. Throughout her career, Jenny Holzer has received numerous awards and honors, including the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 1990. Her art continues to inspire and provoke discussion, maintaining its relevance and impact in contemporary society.

Holzer is a neo-conceptual artist. How does her work differ from the conceptual artists that came before her?

Holzer uses aphorisms, or truisms, in her installation work. What's an example of a truism you hold close in your own life?