Jasper Johns: An Icon of Contemporary American Art
Jasper Johns, born in Augusta, Georgia, in 1930, is a pivotal figure in Contemporary American Art. His groundbreaking work challenged traditional notions of art, bridging the gap between abstract expressionism and pop art. Johns's unique approach involved the repetition of familiar imagery across various media, prompting viewers to reconsider how they perceive both art and everyday objects.
His practice demonstrates no hierarchy between painting, printmaking, drawing, or sculpture. Johns consistently reused the same powerful images, creating a profound dialogue across his entire body of work. This innovative methodology has cemented his status as one of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Genesis of an Icon: Early Works and Recurring Imagery
Johns began making prints in 1960, at just 30 years old, early in his illustrious career. He famously reused specific images that were already known, having pre-existing forms in the public consciousness. These included:
- The American flag (for which he is perhaps best known)
- Targets
- Maps of the United States
- Numbers
- Alkanes (like beer cans)
He referred to these as “things the mind already knows” or “something that is seen but not really looked at.” By using these established compositions, Johns freed himself to focus on deeper artistic explorations and “work on other levels.”
One of his most renowned early works, the first version of his iconic Flag, was painted between 1954 and 1955 when he was only 24. The inspiration for this piece reportedly came from a dream he had of the American flag after returning from military service in Japan during the Korean War.
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Unpacking the American Flag: Process and Meaning
Johns's Flag painting is much more than a simple representation. The original work is comprised of three canvases mounted on plywood, covered with newsprint. A final layer of encaustic, or hot wax paint, covers the work in red, white, and blue. The nature and thickness of encaustic allow the newspaper to show through, creating significant texture and a weathered surface that appears stressed and heavily worked.
This painting poses a crucial question: Is it a painted flag or a painting of a flag? Johns stated it was both. He deliberately chose a flat, neutral depiction, not a flag waving proudly, transforming a familiar symbol into an object for intense artistic scrutiny. By depicting an icon that