The first comprehensive overview of the work of Barbara Kruger, one of the most influential figures of late-20th century American art, this retrospective presented works created by the artist between 1978 and 1999. Kruger’s multi-faceted work uses a now-ubiquitous graphic design aesthetic, combined with media stereotypes and cliches, to decode how power, identity, and sexuality are embedded in contemporary visual culture. Barbara Kruger featured varied examples of this practice, including photographic prints on paper and vinyl, lenticular and etched-metal images, audio and video art, installations, sculptures, and three monumental billboards, all mounted in an installation co-designed by Kruger and museum staff; Kruger additionally produced several public art interventions to coincide with the exhibition, including bus placards, posters, newspaper op-eds, and public service announcements on TV.
Barbara Kruger traveled to the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.
The exhibition was accompanied by a catalogue.
Barbara Kruger was organized by Ann Goldstein, Assistant Curator, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.