This exhibition also coincided with the announcement of a major commission and acquisition of Holzer's work for the Albright-Knox: A series of four marble benches, designed with modified neo-classical moldings and inscribed with a special survey of Holzer's texts. Placed as public seating in the Sculpture Court, these benches were part of the exhibition and have remained on view since that time.
Installation view of Jenny Holzer: The Venice Installation. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
Throwback Thursday: Jenny Holzer: The Venice Installation in 1991
July 13, 2017
In 1991, a year after its debut in the United States Pavilion at the 44th Venice Biennale in Italy, Jenny Holzer: The Venice Installation was on view at the Albright-Knox. The exhibition included a number of works from the Biennale installation—which was organized by Albright-Knox Chief Curator Michael Auping—as well as several new works designed for the museum.
The medium of Holzer's art is language, and she uses a variety of formats to convey her messages. Holzer's texts were inscribed on Italian marble tile floors and stonework benches as well as on a series of light-emitting diode (LED) signs, the electronic message boards for which she is best known.
Guests at the Members' Preview for Jenny Holzer: The Venice Installation on July 12, 1991. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
Guests at the Members' Preview for Jenny Holzer: The Venice Installation on July 12, 1991. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
Jenny Holzer (right) with former Albright-Knox Chief Curator Michael Auping at the Members' Preview for Jenny Holzer: The Venice Installation on July 12, 1991. Photograph by Tom Loonan.
