Chris Demchak - Jenny Holzer's Truisms

A. The most interesting thing about the installation was the location and medium she worked on.

B. I absolutely believe the medium and location go hand-in-hand. Holzer to me seems sort of 'gimmicky,' that is to say she wanted to get her truisms out and she used a variety of ways to do it. Bruce has stated that besides the giant street installations she's done stickers to fortune cookies and I've even seen them written on colored golf balls.

Having inscribed her truisms on marble benches in a courthouse absolutely ties into her way of thinking as described above. Her truisms are philosophical statements that can easily be compared to that of Greek philosophers and the choice of medium, marble benches, is another nod to Greek culture. It all fluidly ties into each other and I have no doubt all was intentional. So if anyone has any question as to whether or not this is art, there is your answer.

C. 1. Raise girls and boys the same way.
2. Expiring for love is beautiful but stupid.
3. Sacrificing yourself for a bad cause is not a moral act.
4. Stupid people shouldn't breed.
5. When something terrible happens people wake up.

D. 1. It's not a question of whether it is art, but rather is it good art.
2. There is no such thing as being different.
3. Trust is more important than monogamy.
4. People who see things as just black-and-white aren't just colorblind.
5. Truisms should not be taken to heart.