Truism 1977

This Truism was created by Jenny Holzer with black ink on white paper. It’s the kind of piece that makes you stop and think, "Wait, what did I just read?" It's all about the power of words, and how they can mess with your head. Holzer's not just throwing words out there; she's playing with ideas, challenging our beliefs, and making us question everything. It's like she's saying, "Here, take this thought, roll it around in your mind, and see what you come up with." Each line is like a little bomb of thought. "Selfishness is the most basic motivation"—is it? Or, "Selflessness is the highest achievement"—really? Each truism stands alone, bold and declarative. The visual impact is immediate but the process of reading leaves you in a very ambiguous place. Holzer’s work reminds me of Barbara Kruger's bold statements or the conceptual jabs of John Baldessari. They’re all part of this ongoing conversation about art, language, and how we make sense of the world. Holzer leaves us swimming in a sea of ambiguity, and maybe, that’s the point.