Holzer, Jenny (1950-…), is an American artist who attempts to bring messages to a wide public through printed and electronic signs. Holzer has been identified with the conceptual art movement. Conceptual artists generally dismiss traditional art objects as irrelevant. They believe that ideas and information are the only essential element in a work. As a means of expression, Holzer and other conceptual artists use various media, such as written documents, photographs, video, film, charts, and maps, in nontraditional ways.
Holzer relies on language to convey her ideas. Her messages often deal with feminist, environmental, and political concerns. She has expressed her messages through printed stickers, electronic signs, T-shirts, posters, and inscriptions in stone. Typical messages include “PROTECT ME FROM WHAT I WANT” and “MONEY CREATES TASTE.” She has stated that she wants her art to reach a broader public than the limited audience that attends museum exhibitions.
Holzer has organized her work in series, such as “Truisms” (1977-1979), “Living” (1980-1982), and “Laments” (1987-1990). At an exhibition of her work at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 1989 and 1990, Holzer programmed hundreds of short texts that flashed continuously on a giant electronic message board.
Holzer was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, and settled in New York City in 1977. She began her career adapting cliches, sayings from philosophers, and controversial comments. She had the sayings printed anonymously and pasted them in public places in her New York City neighborhood. Later, she developed her own messages, which grew in length.
