University of Chicago to honor pioneering artist Jenny Holzer during Convocation

The University of Chicago will award the 2019 Jesse L. Rosenberger Medal for Outstanding Achievement in the Creative and Performing Arts to artist Jenny Holzer , "whose unique text-based work is ambitious, relevant and influential." Holzer will receive her award at the University's Convocation ceremonies on June 15. She is the 54th recipient of the Rosenberger Medal , established in 1917 by Jesse L. and Susan Colver Rosenberger. Recent winners include musician and educator Steve Coleman and artist Kerry James Marshall. A pioneer in using public art as social intervention, Holzer is perhaps best known for her Truisms -aphorisms such as "Abuse of power comes as no surprise" and "Protect me from what I want" featuring posters, billboards, LED signs, light projections and more. For 40 years, the New York-based Holzer has presented her works in public places and international exhibitions, including 7 World Trade Center, the U.S. Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, the Guggenheim Museums in New York and Bilbao, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. She was the first woman artist to exhibit at Blenheim Palace.