Meaning: Barbara Kruger, an American conceptual artist, is known for her thought-provoking and politically charged works that combine striking imagery with bold, often confrontational, text. The quote, "I just say I'm an artist who works with pictures and words," encapsulates Kruger's artistic ethos and the essence of her work.

Kruger's practice is deeply rooted in the power of visual communication and language. She often appropriates found photographs from mass media and overlays them with pithy, assertive slogans in white-on-red Futura Bold Oblique typeface, a style reminiscent of advertising and propaganda. This deliberate choice of visual language serves to confront viewers with the pervasive influence of consumer culture, mass media, and the politics of power, gender, and identity.

By describing herself as "an artist who works with pictures and words," Kruger underscores the fundamental components of her practice. Her works are not solely visual or textual but a harmonious fusion of the two. This fusion is crucial to the impact of her art, as it challenges viewers to critically engage with the inherent relationship between image and text, the constructed nature of meaning, and the ways in which these elements shape our perceptions and beliefs.

Kruger's statement also reflects her refusal to be confined to traditional artistic categories. By simply identifying as an artist, she rejects the limitations of specific mediums or artistic movements, positioning herself as a creator whose primary tools are the universal languages of visual imagery and written language. This broad, interdisciplinary approach allows her to address complex social and political issues in a manner that transcends the boundaries of traditional art forms.

Furthermore, the quote suggests Kruger's emphasis on directness and clarity in her artistic practice. Her use of concise, assertive language in combination with bold visuals serves to communicate her messages with immediacy and impact. This direct approach enables her art to reach and resonate with a wide audience, transcending the confines of the art world and entering the public sphere, thereby igniting dialogue and contemplation among diverse viewers.

Kruger's statement has become emblematic of her artistic philosophy and has been widely cited and referenced in discussions about her work. It encapsulates her commitment to using her art as a platform for social commentary and critique. Through her distinctive visual and textual language, Kruger continues to challenge viewers to question the power structures and systems of representation that shape contemporary society.

In conclusion, Barbara Kruger's quote, "I just say I'm an artist who works with pictures and words," succinctly encapsulates the core principles of her artistic practice. It reflects her fusion of visual and textual elements, her refusal to be confined by traditional artistic categories, and her commitment to direct, impactful communication. Kruger's art continues to provoke critical reflection and dialogue, demonstrating the enduring power of images and words in shaping our understanding of the world.