Object number1985.19.9
(Untitled)
Portfolio/Seriesfrom the series Inflammatory Essays
Date1979-1982
Artist
Jenny Holzer
(American, 1950-)
CultureAmerican
MediumCommercial offset lithograph in black ink on thin, wove yellow paper
EditionUnlimited edition
DimensionsSheet: 17 x 17 in. (43.2 x 43.2 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase
On View
Not on viewPeriod20th c
Classification(s)
InscribedOn verso, by unidentified hand, lower right corner in pencil: 85.19.9
ProvenancePurchased from Rhona Hoffman GalleryVassar Exhibitions
Exhibition HistoryPresses, Pop, and Pomade: American Prints Since the Sixties, Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, January 13 - March 19, 2006DescriptionBlack italic text against a yellow background reads: FEAR IS THE MOST ELEGANT WEAPON, / YOUR HANDS ARE NEVER MESSY. / THREATENING BODILY HARM IS CRUDE. / WORK INSTEAD ON MINDS AND BELIEFS, / PLAY INSECURITIES LIKE A PIANO. BE / CREATIVE IN APPROACH. FORCE / ANXIETY TO EXCRUCIATING LEVELS OR / GENTLY UNDERMINE THE PUBLIC / CONFIDENCE. PANIC DRIVES HUMAN HERDS / OVER CLIFFS; AN ALTERNATIVE IS / TERROR-INDUCED IMMOBILIZATION. FEAR / FEEDS ON FEAR. PUT THIS EFFICIENT / PROCESS IN MOTION. MANIPULATION IS / NOT LIMITED TO PEOPLE. ECONOMIC, / SOCIAL AND DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS / CAN BE SHAKEN. IT WILL BE / DEMONSTRATED THAT NOTHING IS SAFE, / SACRED OR SANE. THERE IS NO / RESPITE FROM HORROR. ABSOLUTES ARE / QUICKSILVER. RESULTS ARE SPECTACULAR.
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