Jasper Johns

Jasper Johns was born on May 15th, 1930 in Augusta, Georgia. Growing up in rural South Carolina, his early exposure to art was through paintings by his late grandmother. Following high school Johns went on to study at both the University of South Carolina and the Parsons School of Design in New York City. During the period between 1952 and 1953, Johns was drafted to serve in the Korean War, where he was stationed in Sendai, Japan. Upon his return to the United States, Johns began an intense romantic relationship with fellow American artist Robert Rauschenberg. Throughout the duration of their relationship, which lasted from 1954 to 1961, Johns and Rauschenberg strongly influenced one another and together pushed the boundaries of modern art. Johns gave his first solo exhibit at the Leo Castelli Gallery in 1958.

In his art, Johns sought to portray things which the “mind already knows” (Johns, 1996).  He made signs, such as flags, the main images in many of his works. In assembling his works, Johns utilized items found in everyday life such as newspapers, found objects, and mass produced goods. Johns’ style went on to influence major movements such as Pop, Minimal, and Conceptual Art.

- Rachel Feldmann