Inflammatory Essays 5, 1979-82

Jenny Holzer belongs to the neo-conceptual school of artists.  Text is the basis for her work. With her first celebrated series, entitled “Truisms”, which began in 1977, she plastered Times Square and lower Manhattan with photostats of hand-typed one-liners intended to amuse, provoke and entertain. At a time when New York was going through a transitional time of rising crime, skyrocketing prices,  and high unemployment, Holzer brought art out of the gallery and onto the street. 

Holzer’s art was always directed to the common person, the individual strolling down the street or looking up at a billboard. The messages varied from quirky phrases to serious, thought-provoking statements concerning timely topics. 

In addition to print art, Jenny Holzer employed LED lights, Neon Signs, and scrolling marquees during her most prolific period the late 1970s and early 1980s.
“Truisms” can still be found widely distributed with Holzer’s messages printed on ball caps, tee shirts, and posters.