Embracing America through Art & Jasper Johns

american flag Jasper Johns Jasper Jones

IT's TIME TO REBOOT OUR LOVE FOR AMERICA!

What a better way to celebrate our love to U.S.A than to dive deep into a legendary American artist who dedicated years of his career to the recreation of the American flag? That’s right! 

Born and raised in rural South Carolina, artist Jasper Johns ended up becoming one of the greats in the American art scene. After studying one short semester at Parsons School of Design in New York, he got drafted for the Army and spent two years serving the country during the Korean War. 

Flag, 1945. By Jasper Johns.

Flag, 1945. by Jasper Johns

Johns is well-known due to his series of paintings and collages of American flags. He made over 40 works of art regarding his nation's colors and particular flag design.

Something that he really enjoyed about creating these paintings, was that he did not have to create something new; since the flag design was already designated. The interesting bit relies on switching up techniques and playing with collage to embrace America and its colors by placing the flag symbol in a different perspective... through a painting!

In my opinion, the most important thing about the American flag paintings, is that Jasper Johns took them out of context. By this, I mean he brought them into art galleries and museums; he indirectly showed us a fresh perspective to observe the symbolic American flag.  - Ana Karen VIII's Team

Surely, the American flag played a personal role for the artist. This happened simply by stating that we can open up about symbolic richness and see these sort of elements from another point of view without any taboo stuff being carried around with them. Without a doubt, Johns represented the American flag to symbolize liberty.

 

BE BRAVE, BE DOPE, BE PROUD - LIKE AN AMERICAN

Be Brave, Be Dope, Be Proud...Like an American. Painting by VIII.

“Proud to Stand Here” by VIII. 72 x 48 in.
Available for purchase. Prints available on demand.  

You may wanna zoom in to find hidden messages!

Liberty is in fact the true meaning and intention behind these paintings. This includes liberty in a form of freedom of speech & the freedom to choose. 

The flag paintings by Jasper Johns, were born from values within liberty; values that are encouraged in those who contemplate his art. Painting the American flag is not a matter of flaunting your patriotism, its is a way to celebrate your freedom to do so👏🏻

I'm feeling proud, like an American, free and open-minded. I'm 100% proud to stand here as an immigrant creating ART for a nation I also belong to! My flag is just another way to have some fun as I outgrow my collection, connect with the world and follow the steps from inspiring ICONS like Jasper Johns. 

In my flag, you will find words featured by American legends, like Condoleezza Rice (Former United States Secretary of State), Michelle Obama and Lana Del Rey to name a few.- VIII

The essence of America - that which really unites us - is not ethnicity, or nationality or religion - it is an idea - That you can come from humble circumstances and do great things.- Condoleezza Rice.

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CHERS TO LIBERTY!

 

Blog Author: Ana Karen Morales Q.
Editor/ Reviewed by: VIII

 

 

 

Bibliography:

Moma. Japer Johns Flag. https://www.moma.org/collection/works/78805.