Jenny Holzer Hon RA (b. 1950)

Jenny Holzer is an American neo-conceptual artist based in Hoosick Falls, New York. Her medium, whether formulated as a T-shirt, a plaque or an LED sign, is writing and the public dimension is integral to the delivery of her work.

Starting in the 1970s with posters, and continuing through her recent light projections on landscape and architecture, her practice has rivalled ignorance and violence with humour, kindness and moral courage. Her international exhibitions and installations include Installation for Bilbao, Guggenheim Bilbao (1997); For 7 World Trade, 7 World Trade Center, New York (2006); For the Guggenheim, Guggenheim Museum, New York (2008); and Protect Protect, Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago (2008).

Holzer received the Golden Lion prize at the Venice Biennale in 1990, the World Economic Forum’s Crystal Award in 1996 and the Barnard Medal of Distinction in 2011. She holds honorary degrees from Ohio University, Williams College, the Rhode Island School of Design, The New School and Smith College.

Profile

Honorary RA

Born: 1950 in Gallipolis, OH, United States

Nationality: American

Elected Hon RA: 9 March 2016

Gender: Female

Preferred media: Printmaking and Sculpture