Jasper Johns

Jasper Johns, a renowned painter, sculptor, and printmaker, became a leading figure in post-Abstract Expressionism and Minimalism. Known for his iconic flag and number paintings, Johns used Minimalist techniques such as linearity, repetition, and symmetry. His first flag painting in 1955 and subsequent works, including alphabet subjects and sculptures, set him apart from Abstract Expressionism, focusing more on color and shape relationships rather than emotional expression. Born in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in South Carolina, Johns had no formal art training but moved to New York in 1949, where his 1955 “Flag” painting earned significant attention. Influenced by his friendships with figures like Merce Cunningham, John Cage, and Robert Rauschenberg, Johns embraced Minimalism, emphasizing linear designs and ordinary symbols. In the late 1990s, after a major retrospective, Johns’ work became more serene and abstract.