SOFTER: Jenny Holzer at Blenheim Palace

One of America’s most loved living artists since the 1980s, Jenny Holzer’s practice circles around language in order to question systems of power and authority in society. Since 2010, Holzer’s work has been focused particularly on modern conflict. On her first visit to Blenheim Palace, she became fascinated by the Palace’s own military history; not only as the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, but also its origin as a reward to John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, for military triumphs in the 1704 Battle of Blenheim. For her exhibition, Holzer used this legacy as a starting point to look at the timeless and universal theme of conflict, across time and countries.

Using technology, stonework, light projections, a virtual reality mobile app developed by Holition, and her celebrated LED light installations, Holzer engaged with the historical precedents that have cemented Blenheim Palace’s enduring legacy, and offered descriptions of life during wartime, recounting real experiences of soldiers and civilians.

Text for the artworks was drawn from accounts gathered by The Not Forgotten Association, a British charity that supports service men, women, and veterans suffering from combat injuries and other related challenges. Over fifty veterans from the NFA participated in the exhibition, sharing their experiences, and reflecting on the effects of their service on their loved ones and on themselves.

Other contributors included charities Save the Children, Human Rights Watch, and polish war poet Anna Swirszczynska.