This document provides an overview of the work of American artist Jenny Holzer, known for her "Truisms" series featuring common phrases critiquing society. Her work aims to make people more aware of societal influences by placing thought-provoking texts in public spaces normally used for authority or advertising. By utilizing a variety of mediums from theater marquees to building projections, Holzer's pieces take on new meaning in different contexts and invite consideration of how messages can be interpreted in multiple ways.

1. words
tend to be
inadequate
—Jenny Holzer, from her “Truisms” series

2. ideas
in our society

3. What is important in our society?

4. What is true in our society?

5. What is valued in our society?

6. people
in our society

7. Who is heard in our society?

8. Who is respected in our society?

9. Who is ignored in our society?

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

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

12. autHoritatiVe Voice
Clearly accurate or knowledgeable
*Consider how location, medium, and / or person delivering message
changes the listeners / viewers perception

13. FraMeworK
1970s
People questioning social structures
(class, gender roles, race)
Discontent with the U.S. government
due to Vietnam War.

14. Goal
To sharpen people’s awareness of the
usual baloney they are fed in daily life.
—Tate

15. worK
Places texts on a variety of locations
and materials which are usually reserved
for “authorities”

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

17. your actions are pointless if no
one notices

18. romantic love was invented to
manipulate women

19. selfishness is the most
basic motivation

20. selflessness is the highest
achievement

21. tHeater Marquees
Part of “Truisms” Series
1977–Present

22. http://www.creativetime.org/programs/archive/1994/42ndStreetYear2/42street/pitchers93_jpg/jh2.jpg

23. http://classes.dma.ucla.edu/Spring05/25/img/holzer/02.jpg

24. http://db-artmag.de/archiv/assets/images/588/36.jpg

25. http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_0F7CFzx2zmM/TNCOlyCFhYI/AAAAAAAAAjk/LVsEJhnLVwg/s1600/holzermct-732163.jpg

26. plaques
Series title: “The Living Series”
Began in 1989

27. http://rfc.museum/images/stories/BtC/Holzer-J/Holzer_Jenny-ProtectMe.jpg

28. http://www.flickr.com/photos/firefleet/2197237098/sizes/m/in/photostream/

29. buildinGs
Series title: “Projections”
1993–Present
Worldwide
Text: Utilizes a variety of phrases and sayings. Includes things
that she has written and things other people have written.

30. http://creativetime.org/programs/archive/2005/holzer/images/2005project.gif

31. http://previousexhibitions.fondationbeyeler.ch/e/images_11son/38holzer/jh_aussenproj.jpg

32. led walls & More
Various projects
1982–Present

33. http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/03/12/arts/27264347.JPG

34. http://static2.slamxhype.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/jh_led.jpg

36. aestHetics

37. 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?

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

39. discussion

40. What does it mean for a text to be authoritative?

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

42. conclusion

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

44. How messages are more authoritative
in specific contexts…

45. How messages can be viewed from
multiple perspectives…

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

47. tHe
assiGnMent

48. Before we begin, please remember...

49. boredoM
MaKes you
do crazy
tHinGs

50. don’t place
too MucH
trust in
experts

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

52. —Jenny Holzer, from her “Truism” series

53. tHe
assiGnMent
For real tHis tiMe

54. 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.

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

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

57. Go FortH!

58. sources
Jenny 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>.