Well, I think in trying to make life seem real enough that one is moved to do something about the more atrocious things. By going really far afield into a completely fake world, maybe there's a chance to make things resonant somehow - or in this case, truly terrifying. To make it as bad as the real stuff that's happening.

The quote by Jenny Holzer reflects on the role of art and storytelling in confronting atrocious aspects of reality. She explains that by creating work that feels “real enough,” the goal is to move people to act or reflect on real-world injustices. In her view, even a completely fake world—a fictional or imagined setting—can evoke emotions and ideas that resonate deeply with audiences, prompting them to think about the real stuff happening around them.

The meaning centers on the paradox that sometimes fiction or artificial constructs can be more emotionally impactful than direct representations of reality. By exaggerating, distorting, or inventing a scenario, artists may make issues feel more resonant or even “truly terrifying,” allowing audiences to grasp the severity of real-world problems. This technique can make artistic works as disturbing and provocative as the actual events they are meant to reflect.

The origin of this statement comes from Holzer’s career as a conceptual artist known for her use of provocative text-based art. She frequently engages with themes of violence, politics, and human rights, often presenting language in public spaces to challenge viewers. Her comment likely comes from an interview about how her work blends fictional elements with real-world references to heighten the emotional and intellectual impact.

By acknowledging that a fake world can sometimes communicate truth more effectively than literal reality, Holzer underlines a central idea in art: emotional truth can be as powerful as factual accuracy. Her approach uses creativity not as an escape from reality, but as a way to confront and illuminate it in ways that provoke action and awareness.