Jenny Holzer

Barbara Gladstone Gallery, New York
Private Collection, New York
Christie's, New York, November 19, 1997, Lot 373
Acquired by the present owner from the above sale

New York, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Viewpoints: Postwar Painting and Sculpture from the Guggenheim Museum Collection and Major Loans, December 1988 - January 1989
New York, Doris C. Freedman Plaza, Benches, sponsored by Public Art Fund, Inc., July - December 1989 (another example exhibited)

Michael Kimmelman, "Review / Art," The New York Times, January 13, 1989

This work is in generally very good condition overall. The surface has recently benefitted from a topical cleaning courtesy of Wilson Conservation LLC, although there is minor scattered staining on the top of the bench and around the edges, with dirt accretions particularly in the crevices formed by the letters. There are scattered and unobtrusive nicks and scratches. Otherwise the marble is sound and in generally good condition.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The poetics come from poetry by others, not from myself, but what I can contribute is something like a visual poetics that can have to do with the color, the pauses, and the omissions.
Jenny Holzer