John's Blog

One of my favorite conceptual artists is Jenny Holzer. Her use of "moving words" which actually move usually proves quite thought provoking. She works in a variety of mediums, but you'll usually see her work as scrolling LED signs, or projected in a public place. I was lucky enough to see her show at the Guggenheim a few years ago. Trust me, this picture doesn't do it justice.

So it was certainly good news to see that the soon to open 7 World Trade Center lobby will contain a piece of Jenny Holzer designed piece of art. This one will have poetry from various artists scrolling across translucent panels 14 feet high and 65 feet long. But if you plan on taking the whole thing in, you better pack a lunch since it will take eight hours for it all to pass by.

This almost didn't happen, since Larry Silverstein had other ideas, but thanks to the tenacity of the architect David Childs they were able to include Holzer in the plans for the public space art. Silverstein didn't want any of the "downer" type messages that artists do, and actually rejected some of the works she selected. But "Jenny-lite" is better than none at all.