Visual Culture Featuring Artists : Barbara Kruger and Jeff Koons
Barbara Kruger Born in Newark, New Jersey in Attended Syracuse University of Visual Arts and studied at Parson’s School of Design in New York City. Worked as a graphic designer, art director, and picture editor. She has taught at a few universities and now lives in New York City. Information found at
Barbara Kruger Visual Culture: is defined within the study of art history, as a focus on cultural meaning of a work of art, rather than on its aesthetic value. What Visual Culture is not is a political or academic movement like feminism, or gender studies. “Your Body is a Battle Ground” -By Barbara Kruger Found on
Barbara Kruger “Who Do You Think You Are?” -By Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kruger “Love For Sale” -By Barbara Kruger Pop Culture: is the totality of ideas, perspectives, attitudes, memes, images, and other phenomena that are preferred by an informal consensus within the mainstream of a given culture.
Do you believe Barbara Kruger supports consumerism or pop culture? Why or why not? Barbara Kruger “Look like us” -By Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kruger What do you think about this image? What does this image portray about self image? After looking at this image, do you believe Barbara Kruger is an anti- pop culture activist? Why or why not? “You are Not Yourself” -By Barbara Kruger
Jeff Koons “Last Chance Travel” -By Jeff Koons Born in York, Pennsylvania in Received his BFA at Maryland Institute College of Art. In 2009 he received the National Arts Club Metal of Honor.
“Sandwiches 2000” -By Jeff Koons Jeff Koons
After viewing images by Jeff Koons, do you believe he is a visual culture activist? Why or Why not? What do you think makes Koon's work unique? Do you believe that Koons is making fun of pop culture in his work? Why or why not?