Jasper Johns, a contemporary American artist, has been a driving force in the art world for nearly 60 years, continually pushing the boundaries of his own work and inspiring change in the artistic community. His artistic journey has been marked by a profound curiosity and unwavering discipline, resulting in some of the most innovative and groundbreaking works of the 20th century.
Early Beginnings: A Breakthrough in Art
Jasper Johns’s breakthrough paintings of the 1950s, which paved the way for the development of Pop art and Minimalism, marked the beginning of his remarkable career. These early works, characterized by their use of common images and everyday objects, challenged traditional notions of art and paved the way for a new generation of artists. Examples of these early works include:
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- Flag (1954-55)
- Target (1958)
- Map (1955-59)
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These works not only showcased Johns’s innovative approach to art but also sparked a wider conversation about the nature of art and its relationship to the everyday world. Collaboration and Innovation
The exhibition Jasper Johns: Seeing with the Mind’s Eye at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) showcases the full scope of Johns’s achievements, highlighting his continued innovation and commitment to exploring the human experience. This exhibition is a testament to the enduring power of Johns’s art, which continues to inspire and challenge audiences today.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition
- Over 90 works, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and prints from SFMOA and other local and private collections
- Key works lent by the artist himself, including a large recent canvas
- A comprehensive overview of Johns’s entire career, from his breakthrough paintings to his most recent work
A Conversation with Gary Garrels
In a conversation with SFMOMA’s Elise S. Haas Senior Curator of Painting and Sculpture, Gary Garrels, we gain insight into the significance of Johns’s career and the impact of his art on the artistic community.
“…what becomes evident at every stage is the endless curiosity and discipline of the artist, and the astonishing level of ambition and quality of the work,” says Garrels. “His art and thinking continually inspire other artists, as well as some of the field’s most incisive critical writing. Johns has always been a prime instigator of change, and it makes sense that his art would strike a chord with collectors and museums over the past few decades in the Bay Area with its legacy of innovation.”
The Legacy of Jasper Johns
Jasper Johns’s impact on the art world cannot be overstated. His innovative approach to art, characterized by his use of everyday images and objects, has inspired a new generation of artists and continues to challenge and inspire audiences today. His art remains a powerful testament to the enduring power of creativity and innovation.
A Final Word
Jasper Johns: Seeing with the Mind’s Eye is a testament to the artist’s ongoing relevance and influence. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in art, innovation, and the human experience.