Woking Responds to Jenny Holzer
Jenny Holzer is world-renowned for her outspoken and sometimes confrontational use of words. During a 3 month exhibition of her controversial and thought-provoking body of work at The Lightbox, the award-winning gallery and museum have offered Woking’s public an opportunity to share their response.
BLUE PURPLE TILT, 2007
Jenny Holzer
ARTIST ROOMS: Jenny Holzer
Tate, London and the National Galleries of Scotland. Acquired jointly through the d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The Art Fund 2008
In a new video by James ML Muller, viewers give voice to their own feelings about the American conceptual artist’s groundbreaking work. Feedback cards invite visitors to answer relevant questions and share their insights about the pieces on display. The replies have so far ranged from the sarcastic to the philosophical.
‘This work appeals to me as I always feel art is about asking ‘good’ questions rather than about getting answers’, writes one visitor. Another, when asked ‘How does the work make you feel?’ - has simply replied ‘it doesn’t.’
The Lightbox is always keen to engage the public in an open discussion about the pieces of work it showcases. Since November 19 2009, the Main Gallery has been illuminated by Holzer’s striking ‘Blue Purple Tilt’. Comprised of seven double-sided vertical LED signs, its powerful visual impact and strongly political messages have resonated with onlookers, inspiring debate about Holzer’s intent and motivations, as well as the nature of art itself, and its relevance to society.
The video comes as a rebuttal to a question posed by Guardian journalist Jonathan Jones in an article about the ARTIST ROOMS tour. ‘Do the people of Woking really want their own exhibition of Jenny Holzer’s work?’ he asked. The Lightbox were happy to answer the challenge, commissioning James M L Muller to create a video capturing the thoughts and impressions of gallery visitors. Training his lens on both the exhibition and the people viewing it, Muller’s video gives a face and a voice to public opinion on this illuminating display of contemporary artwork.
To view the film, visit this page on the gallery and museum’s website:
http://www.thelightbox.org.uk/about/wokingsresponsetoartistroomsjennyholzer
ARTIST ROOMS: Jenny Holzer is on in the Main Gallery until 21st February 2010. The Lightbox is open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am – 5.00pm and Sunday 11.00am – 5.00pm. Entrance is free.