The 2024 edition of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People features conceptual visual artist Jenny Holzer, photographer LaToya Ruby Frazier, and prestigious curator Thelma Golden. These names are among stars such as Oscar-award winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, singer Dua Lipa, director Sofia Coppola, and actor Elliot Page.
Jenny Holzer, an American conceptual and installation artist, is recognized for her provocative use of language in public spaces. Employing various media such as carved stone and electronic signs, Holzer prompts public debate and shines a light on social and political issues. Her series “Truisms” launched in 1977, where she positioned ambiguous and provocative quotes across New York City. In 1990, Holzer was chosen as the first woman to represent the United States in the Venice Biennale.
LaToya Ruby Frazier is scheduled to open her solo exhibition “Monuments of Solidarity” at New York’s Museum of Modern Art on May 12th. Born in 1982 in Braddock, Pennsylvania, the two-time Pulitzer winner is known for her nuanced photography and documentary work, where she delves into the lives of disenfranchised communities. Over her career, the artist has earned the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and the Carnegie International Prize.
The essay in Time magazine for Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of The Studio Museum in Harlem, was written by former First Lady Michelle Obama. “[Golden’s] steadfast dedication has given voice to a new generation of artists and curators who are ready to stir our souls too—folks who may have otherwise gone unnoticed had it not been for Thelma’s eye for talent and potential,” Obama wrote. During her tenure at The Studio Museum, Golden has been celebrated for her dedication to promoting emerging Black artists and curators. This commitment was recently underscored by the prestigious Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, which Golden received last year.
