DAIO 10/2

R.S.
Mrs. Wierenga
DAOI
2 October 2007

Flag by: Jasper Johns

Jasper Johns created his work the Flag between the years 1954 and 1955. The picture is created by using encaustic, oil, and collage on fabric mounted on plywood. It is a picture of an american flag. It is layered so it looks thick and you can see layers of newspaper showing throught the top coat of paint. There isnt much of a foreground, middleground, and background because this print isnt a realistic rendition. But you could say that the newspaper is the background, creating depth where the paint is more of the foreground.
It looks like it took a lot of time to finish. They are so many layers and each layer is unique. Its complicated and obviously took a lot of time and planning. It isnt a spir of the moment painting. Johns planned it all out and in the end is came out very nicely.
Johns created the Flag after he had a dream about an american flag. So I think its safe to say that he was inspired to create this piece of art. When I look at this picture I can see the insperation show through. All of his thoughts and feelings are portrayed by the way he created this picture. You feel a vibe of love for his country, but I get the sense that it is much bigger than that. Almost like he is showing his own flag through this one.
Jasper Johns was a brilliant artist. He knew how to work colors and express emotion. I like the way he was so open with most of his works. This piece is a success because I connected with it right away, and to me that is the basic goal of an artist. To be able to speak to people throught your artwork is an amazing talent. The Flag deffinalty inspired me.


works cited:

"Jasper Johns." Wikipedia. 2 Oct. 2007 .