Barbara Kruger

American Conceptual Artist

Conceptual Art: Art that is intended to convey an idea or concept to the perceiver and need not involve the creation or appreciation of a traditional art object such as a painting or sculpture.

Fountain, Duchamp, 1917

Conceptual art is often

used as Propaganda.

Propaganda: information,

ideas, or rumors deliberately

spread widely to influence a

person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

Kruger creates pieces that make

statements concerning domestic

violence, racism, the world of

business and the role of women in

contemporary society.

In this image, she called into question the

objectification of women. Kruger is

questioning the way mass

media presents

female identity.

Kruger also focuses on the deconstruction of the myth of male dominance.

In these works, she takes the

mass media of today's society, uses words to

capture the viewer's attention,

and makes the public question its

very beliefs.

Her art is political and is often subjective to the viewer looking at the piece because it

has a different meaning depending on each

viewer's personal experiences.

My examples….

Your Assignment:

• Choose an issue concerning today’s society. • Draw 3 sketches or possible ideas for a poster

illustrating your chosen issue. • Take photographs that will be used to illustrate

your posters.• Create 2 posters that illustrate your issue.

Juxtapose several photographs and text to illustrate your poster.

• Write (and type) an artist statement for each poster.

Specifics:

• The poster should include only your photographs.

• It should be in black and white. Red can also be added.

• Text should be used, but chosen carefully.

• Posters will be 8” by 10”.

• Choose a topic that is appropriate for school.

Topic Ideas…

• Iraq War• Presidential Election• Poverty• Gas Prices• Stock Market• Global Warming• Crime/Violence• Teen Pregnancy • Student Drop-out Rate

• Careers• Employment• Homelessness• Welfare• Curfew • Laws/Rights• Freedom of Speech• Hate• Divorce• Addictive Behaviors