jenny holzer creates evocative NFT in response to roe v. wade overturn

Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, jenny holzer responds 

On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court officially overturned Roe v. Wade, shocking those who support the autonomy of uterus-bearing individuals in making their own health decisions. The ruling will put an end to federal abortion rights, allowing state legislatures to decide whether the operation is still legal. As a result, it is anticipated that about half of all states will ban or severely restrict access to abortion.

With the need for reproductive resources increasing as a result of the verdict, artist Jenny Holzer has created a scathing NFT (non-fungible token) to raise money for important organizations.

image courtesy of Foundation

‘MAKING AN INFORMED CHOICE REGARDING YOUR OWN BODY SHOULDN’T BE CONTROVERSIAL’

The image used in the digital artwork is a screen grab from American talk show and current affairs program Tucker Carlson Tonight, showing the conservative critic questioning a guest, while the chyron spells out: ‘MAKING AN INFORMED CHOICE REGARDING YOUR OWN BODY SHOULDN’T BE CONTROVERSIAL.’ Although the heading was meant to be read as an anti-vaccine remark, the words could also be a pro-choice statement.

Twitter user and ACLU staffer Gillian Branstetter saw a resemblance between the chyron text and Jenny Holzer’s Truisms series, which is known for its concise phrasing and sarcastic juxtaposition. Originally presented on the streets of New York in 1977, Holzer’s Truisms nowadays emerge as independent declarations, occasionally depicted in neon, on billboards, or in a variety of merchandising formats. The phrases ‘ABUSE OF POWER COMES AS NO SURPRISE’ and, perhaps most aptly, ‘LISTEN WHEN YOUR BODY TALKS’ can be found among them. 

From Twitter’s mouth to Jenny Holzer Studio’s ears, a screen capture of Branstetter’s popular tweet is now being offered as an NFT in an effort to collect money for Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights, and PAI.

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jun 27, 2022