Words in Public Spaces

Jenny Holzer is an American conceptual artists that uses words and phrases as a medium with which to express ideas and slogans. She does this by illuminating different spaces with colorful lights that spell out her short slogans. Although known for her large-scale displays on billboards and buildings, Holzer has recently been commissioned with designing memorials and monuments.

In all honesty, I did not find Holzer’s art work neither stimulating nor inspiring. Most of her works were oversimplified and  very critical.  Although most of her works did serve as short mottos that jumpstart the thinking process, as her intent, many of her slogans failed in leaving behind a lasting impression or influence in the viewer’s mind.

However, there was one art piece not discussed in the event that truly did leave a very lasting impact on me. After the event ended, I visited the USC Fisher Art Museum and carefully analyzed Holzer’s “Blacklist” exhibition. I believe it was effective in advocating the importance of the First Amendment and the freedom of speech. For more information on Holzer’s “Blacklist” exhibition, click here.

Below, I have attached select works of Jenny Holzer.