Barbara Kruger’s Face It! series, created in 2007, is a striking and provocative exploration of identity, perception, and social dynamics. In this series, Kruger continues her signature style of combining black-and-white images with bold, declarative text to confront viewers with challenging and thought-provoking messages.

The Face It! series consists of a variety of works that utilize close-up images of faces, often fragmented or partially obscured, overlaid with text that directly addresses the viewer. The text in these works features Kruger’s characteristic use of pronouns like “You,” “I,” and “We,” which creates a direct and personal engagement with the audience. The phrases challenge viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and society, prompting introspection and self-awareness.

One of the central themes of the Face It! series is the construction and perception of identity. By using images of faces, Kruger emphasizes the importance of facial expressions and features in shaping how we perceive and are perceived by others. The text overlay often highlights issues related to power, control, and social expectations, urging viewers to question the authenticity of their own identities and the roles they play in society.

Another important aspect of the Face It! series is its critique of media and consumer culture. Kruger’s works often expose the ways in which advertising and media shape our perceptions of beauty, success, and worth. By juxtaposing familiar imagery with provocative text, she disrupts the viewer’s expectations and encourages critical thinking about the messages we consume daily.