© 2023 Sarah M Golonka | smg-photography
Jenny Holzer Collaborates With Young Creatives From Inner-City Arts, Los Angeles
‘Make Life Better’—a Learning initiative that empowers youth to use their voices through a wheatpaste poster campaign answering Holzer’s prompt: ‘What is most important to know and do to make life better?’
On the occasion of renowned American artist Jenny Holzer’s exhibition ‘READY FOR YOU WHEN YOU ARE’ on view in West Hollywood and part of Hauser & Wirth’s ongoing learning initiatives, the artist collaborated with Inner-City Arts, an organization investing in the youth of Los Angeles by providing them access to the arts.
© 2023 Sarah M Golonka | smg-photography
© 2023 Sarah M Golonka | smg-photography
Through this partnership, Jenny Holzer invited a group of 13 young creatives to respond and submit answers to the question, ‘What is most important to know and do to make life better?’ During the first week of September, the responses will make their debut as wheatpaste posters throughout the city in homage to Holzer’s early art practice when she began displaying her Truisms. Holzer’s exploration of Truisms, phrases like ‘ABUSE OF POWER COMES AS NO SURPRISE’ or ‘THE ONLY WAY TO BE PURE IS TO STAY BY YOURSELF,’ began in the late 1970s when the artist posted printed paper sheets listing her Truism statements in public places. This poster project with Inner-City Arts centered around Holzer’s career-long exploration of themes of language and collaborative work, which the students drew inspiration from to amplify their voices and use art as a means for social engagement.
View the digital showcase of the student submissions in the below carousel:
As part of the initiative, the students participated in an exhibition walkthrough of Holzer’s new works on view at Hauser & Wirth West Hollywood, furthering their understanding of how an artist's career and practice evolves over time. The visit also included a look into the gallery’s daily operations by connecting the group with the Registrar, Art Handling and Gallery Assistant teams.
About Inner-City Arts ‘Work of Art’
Inner-City Arts provides students with the tools and skills they need to succeed academically and personally. Work of Art is a college and career exploration program designed to prepare teens with the skills, training, and real-world experience necessary to prepare them for life beyond high school. Eligible teens are high school sophomores and juniors that have an interest in exploring a career in the arts and the creative economy, and a desire for mentorship. Creative youth are connected to public sector workforce initiatives, private employers and college resources, supporting the development of an abundant supply of new talent into the creative industries.
Learn more about Jenny Holzer, Inner-City Arts and Hauser & Wirth’s Learning initiatives.
Set your favorite statement as your phone background
Download a digital version of the posters to use as your phone background. Click the ‘Wallpapers’ highlight on Hauser & Wirth Los Angeles’ Instagram account and screenshot your favorite statement to set it as your phone background.
Special thanks
Wheatpaste posters around Los Angeles were made possible by Dash Two.
