Barbara Kruger

Barbara Kruger

Barbara Kruger is an American conceptual artist, known for her bold graphic images. Kruger was a photographer for two years, but she decided to move towards utilising found images in her work. The images are usually black and white. She gets most of her images form the media, she then edits them and places bold text over the image. The text is usually red and white which creates a striking contrast against the monochrome image. It draws the viewers attention and make us think about the issues she is exploring. The issues Kruger looks at range from feminism, to politics, to consumerism, religion and power. Her images are very recognisable and address these issues with purposely selected images and text. 

In 1980, Kruger released an untitled image, but due to the text, it is known as ‘Perfect’ (see fig. 1). It shows a woman with her clasped as if praying. We only see her torso, she is a plain jumper of cardigan. The woman gives the impression of innocence, faith and obedience. Kruger calls on the idea of the virgin Mary. The image represents in sense the perfect women, a dutiful passive embodiment of femininity. 

Another image Kruger produced, is probably one of her most notable pieces. The untitled work (see fig. 2), ‘Your Body is a Battleground’ brings to light the anti-abortion laws. The images was made specially for the Woman’s March on Washington in 1989. Kruger showed her support for the freedom of choice for women. The image features a portrait of a woman, which is spilt vertical, half in positive and half in negative. This is a powerful image, which has remained relevant throughout the years. To me it can be seen as much more than support for reproductive choices, it can refer to other areas where women are restricted, judged and oppressed.

Krugers use of text is bold. It stands out, almost overtakes the image and alludes to the deeper meanings. The use of red and white text creates a striking contrast to the black and white image. Her wordings are often very simple but do echo a issue or problem. Her images are very successful and I will be taking note when looking at using text in my body of work. 

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Figures 

Fig. 1. Kruger, B (1980) Untitled (Perfect) [Photograph – Online] At: https://www.artic.edu/artworks/159464/untitled-perfect (Accessed on 7th of November 2019).   

Fig. 2. Kruger, B (1989) Untitled (Your Body is a Battleground) [Photograph – Online]At: https://www.thebroad.org/art/barbara-kruger/untitled-your-body-battleground (Accessed on 7th of November 2019).  

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Bibliography

Art History Archive. Barbara Kruger. At: www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/feminist/Barbara-Kruger.html (Accessed on 7th of November 2019). 

Guggenheim. Barbara Kruger. At: https://www.guggenheim.org/artwork/artist/barbara-kruger (Accessed on 7th of November 2019). 

Kruger, B (1989) Untitled (Your Body is a Battleground). At: https://www.thebroad.org/art/barbara-kruger/untitled-your–body-battleground (Accessed on 7th of November 2019).  

Mitchell, W. J. T. & B. Kruger. (1991) ‘An Interview with Barbara Kruger’ Critical Inquiry, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 434-448.