Jenny Holzer 1986

This black and white photograph titled "Jenny Holzer" was taken by David Robbins sometime after 1957. It's a straightforward portrait, seemingly simple, but let's consider its cultural context. Robbins was interested in the dynamics of fame and artistic persona in the late 20th century American art world. Think about the ways that artists become brands. Robbins created a series called "Talent" of portraits of emerging artists, including Holzer, in a kind of mock-glamour shot style, like publicity stills for actors. The images question the system of artistic recognition. Holzer herself is an interesting choice here. She is known for using language as her primary medium, often displayed in public spaces. Robbins's work questions the star-making machinery of the art world. To fully understand this image, we might consult art journals, exhibition reviews, and artist interviews from that era. It makes you think about how art is promoted and how artists gain recognition.