Flag
Jasper Johns
1954
42 x 60 inches, Encaustic, Oil & Collage on Plywood
Movement: Abstract Expressionism, Pop Art
Setting: the first of a large series for Johns manipulation with flag imagery. Holds many complex metaphors regarding secrecy and spying relating it to the Cold War.
Technique: composed of three canvases mounted on plywood. The style - encaustic - he used melting colored over newspapers
Analysis: Utilization of the encaustic technique also relates to concealment/clues of the Cold War. The piece is both an object and a flag at the same time – both art and a symbol with an interesting contrast. It references modern events and pulls from ancient technique. Because Jasper Johns was gay this could be taken as ironic, Johns is open to America and embracing the symbol that identifies the country and yet shunned by it
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