Meaning: Barbara Kruger, an American conceptual artist, is known for her bold and provocative works that often explore themes of power, control, sexuality, and race. The quote, "I'd always been a news junkie, always read lots of newspapers and watched the Sunday morning news shows on TV and felt strongly about issues of power, control, sexuality and race," offers insight into Kruger's intellectual and artistic influences. It provides a glimpse into her deep engagement with the social and political issues that have informed her artistic practice.

Kruger's statement reveals her commitment to staying informed and engaged with current events and societal issues. As a self-proclaimed "news junkie," Kruger demonstrates her voracious appetite for information and her dedication to understanding the complexities of the world around her. This intellectual curiosity likely plays a significant role in shaping the content and themes of her artwork, which often grapple with the power dynamics and social constructs that underpin contemporary society.

The mention of reading newspapers and watching Sunday morning news shows highlights Kruger's reliance on traditional media sources for information. This suggests that her understanding of power, control, sexuality, and race is informed by a broad range of perspectives and sources, as newspapers and television news programs often present diverse viewpoints and analyses of societal issues. Kruger's engagement with these platforms indicates a desire to be well-informed and to critically examine the narratives and discourses that shape public discourse.

Furthermore, Kruger's emphasis on "issues of power, control, sexuality, and race" reflects her interest in exploring the intersections of these themes. Her artwork often incorporates text and imagery to interrogate and challenge societal norms and power structures related to gender, race, and identity. By expressing her strong feelings about these issues, Kruger positions her art as a tool for sparking critical conversations and raising awareness about the complexities of power dynamics and social inequalities.

Kruger's statement also sheds light on the ways in which her personal convictions and socio-political awareness intersect with her artistic practice. Her work is characterized by its use of bold text and arresting imagery, often accompanied by provocative statements that compel viewers to confront societal issues. By drawing attention to the power dynamics inherent in media representation, consumer culture, and political rhetoric, Kruger's art serves as a critique of the systems that perpetuate inequality and oppression.

In conclusion, Barbara Kruger's quote provides valuable insight into her intellectual influences and the thematic concerns that drive her artistic practice. By articulating her engagement with news media and her passionate stance on issues of power, control, sexuality, and race, Kruger offers a glimpse into the thought processes and sources of inspiration that inform her iconic artworks. Through her art, Kruger challenges viewers to critically examine the societal forces that shape our understanding of power and identity, inviting them to confront and question the prevailing narratives that govern contemporary life.