Barbara Kruger's public art and commissions often confront viewers with provocative, text-based works that explore themes of power, identity, consumerism, and social commentary. Her works are recognized for their bold use of text in red, white, and black palettes, engaging public spaces and challenging societal norms and perceptions.

One notable project by Kruger, "Untitled (Blind Idealism Is...)," was displayed adjacent to the High Line at West 22nd Street from March 2016 to March 2017. This hand-painted mural featured the slogan “BLIND IDEALISM IS REACTIONARY SCARY DEADLY,” reflecting on the influence of idealism in political and religious convictions. The work draws from Afro-Caribbean philosopher Frantz Fanon's thoughts, showcasing Kruger's interest in how political and social climates are shaped by collective beliefs​ (The High Line)​.

Kruger also designed a site-specific installation for the Whitney Museum of American Art's downtown location at 820 Washington Street, which was on view from September to October 2010. This intervention featured enigmatic textual statements that engage with the social history of the site and the neighborhood's shifting identity. Kruger used this opportunity to reflect on lower Manhattan's transformation over the years, employing her signature phrases to provoke thought about history, social life, and the area's evolving cultural landscape​ (Whitney Museum of American Art)​.

In 2009, Kruger's installation "Between Being Born and Dying" at the Lever House artfully covered the building's windows and floor with high-impact text questioning power, gender roles, and consumerism. This immersive work utilized the verticality of its setting to create a compelling dialogue between the text and its architectural context, making powerful statements about social and political issues​ (Lever House Art Collection)​.

Another engaging commission by Kruger was "Untitled (It's a small world but not if you have to clean it)" displayed in Times Square in 2000. This banner project, featured across from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, highlighted the often overlooked labor of those who clean our public and private spaces, as well as the environmental impact of human activity. The work exemplified Kruger's ability to use public art as a medium for social critique and reflection​ (Public Art Fund)​.

Kruger's public commissions are significant not only for their visual impact but also for their ability to weave critical reflections on culture, society, and politics into the fabric of everyday life. Through these interventions, Kruger invites the public to engage with pressing issues, challenging viewers to reconsider their own roles within these broader societal narratives.