Jenny Holzer
JENNY HOLZER "TRUISMS (TRAVAUX PUBLICS)", 1996
Jenny Holzer's "Truisms" are arguably the most iconic and poignant text-based content she has created.
Holzer began "Truisms" as a student in 1977. She created a mix of cliches, slogans, and maxims - they vary from the wise to the absurd or banal to the highly menacing, all based on academic readings she did as a masters student.
MoMA described her process as "She hand-typed numerous 'one-liners' or "Truisms", which she has likened, partly in jest, to a "Jenny Holzer's Reader's Digest version of Western and Eastern thought."
The overall tone of the sayings varied, and some were quite playful/humorous, such as:
Stupid People Shouldn't Breed
However, over time, the Truisms that have endured, are the ones the most cynical, political, and dark:
Abuse of Power Comes as No Surprise
Money Creates Taste
Lack of Charisma Can Be Fatal
During the 1980's her Truisms would gradually appear on a variety of consumers products (T-shirts, baseball caps, etc.) and grander public presentations (a LED billboard in Times Square, etc.) The paper-based versions were modest, DIY in spirit, on typically inexpensive photostat paper (intended to be wheat-pasted in urban areas)
Typically most of Holzer's text-based prints were neither editioned nor signed, as they were more in spirit with "Street Art" than fine art prints.
We are excited to be offering this rare example of a signed, numbered, and editioned version of Holzer's iconic "Truisms.
It was created in conjunction with the exhibition "Travaux Publics [Public Works]" at the Van Abbemuseum in the Netherlands in 1996.
This work can be found in public collections including the National Gallery of Scotland.
Questions about this artwork? contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
"Truisms 1983-1996"
Signed and numbered by the artist on custom label verso
From an edition of 41
Silkscreen
31.5"H 19.75"W
Folded as issued
Very good condition
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