Truism 1977

Jenny Holzer made this piece, "Truism", on a sheet, and I love the simplicity of the materials. It’s like she grabbed whatever was around and got right to it. The text is stark, black on white – no frills, just these powerful statements staring back at you. Holzer’s work isn't about hiding the process; it's out in the open, direct and confrontational. Take the line: "Children are the most cruel of all" – yikes, right? It’s like a punch in the gut, yet it’s presented so plainly. There's a coolness to the presentation, the way the lines are stacked, almost like a list. Holzer reminds me of Barbara Kruger, using text as image, challenging us to think about the messages we consume. Both artists show us that art isn’t just about beauty, but also about asking uncomfortable questions. It's up to you how you interpret it.