Leo Martínez
Flags are often used as a symbol to identify a nation and express ideas about its state of affairs. Artists have used flag imagery in their work to call attention to social issues and spark conversations. One such artist is Jasper Johns, whose painting Flag is considered a pivotal object in the history of modern American art. Created in 1954-1955, the painting is a representation of the American flag in the form it took between 1912 and 1959. Flag has sparked discussions about the relationship between an artwork and its subject matter, challenging the definition of a painting and how it differs from the object it represents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Jasper Johns |
| Year | 1954-1955 |
| Medium | Encaustic, oil paint, and newsprint collage on three separate canvases, mounted on a plywood board |
| Dimensions | 42.2 inches (107.3 cm) by 60.6 inches (153.8 cm) |
| Colours | Red, white, and blue |
| Stars | 48, representing the 48 states of the U.S. at the time (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) |
| Stripes | Thirteen red and white stripes |
| Inspiration | A dream of the U.S. flag |
| Current location | Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York |
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What You'll Learn
Jasper Johns' Flag: A painting or a flag?
Jasper Johns' "Flag" is a pivotal object within the history of modern American art. Created in 1954-1955, it is an encaustic painting that reflects the three colours of the U.S. flag: red, white, and blue. The flag depicted in the painting is the one that was used between 1912 and 1959, with 48 white stars on a blue canton, representing the then 48 U.S. states, and thirteen red and white stripes. The painting is considered deeply challenging as it questions what a painting is and how it differs from the object it represents. It does not provide a clear answer to the question of whether it is a painting or a flag, or perhaps even both. Instead, it establishes a line of inquiry and asserts its significance in the practice and history of art.
The painting is of particular significance because it marked a new beginning for Johns, who had just resolved to be an artist. To that end, he destroyed all his existing work and vowed that his art would be free of influence from other artists. "Flag" is considered a mature work, inspired by a dream in which Johns saw himself painting an American flag. The painting is moderate in scale and does not possess the visionary qualities one might expect given its subject matter.
Johns' representation of the flag's motif is faithful to its conventional form, which some commentators have found mystifying. They argue that the painting is more like a riddle than an expression of patriotism or unconscious zeal. Johns' work is known to bring his paintings into dialogue with Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, the Civil War, and ancient Egyptian artistic techniques. "Flag" is covered with drips and fleshy brushstrokes, confirming Johns' kinship with mid-century American painting. However, his motif and technique tell a different story – one of endings and beginnings.
"Flag" was created using encaustic, oil paint, and newsprint collage on three separate canvases mounted on a plywood board. Encaustic is a medium in which pigment is mixed with hot wax, and in this case, strips of newspaper and fabric were added, to which the coloured wax adhered. This allowed Johns to work efficiently and deliberately, as the quick-setting nature of pigmented wax ensured that previously laid marks would remain unaffected.
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The use of unconventional materials in flag art
Flags are often used as a symbol to identify a nation and express ideas about its state of affairs. Artists have used flag imagery to call attention to social issues and spark conversations. For instance, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) has a collection of hundreds of objects and images that feature the United States flag. One of the notable works included in their Reckoning exhibition is an untitled work by Jean-Michel Basquiat, which uses composition notebook paper as its canvas. The use of this unconventional material makes the work feel accessible, yet the crumpled paper and seemingly unfinished brushstrokes suggest a sense of disposability and a nation in flux. Basquiat also incorporates the letter "X" throughout the composition, invoking powerful ideas about its meaning in African American history, as formerly enslaved people used the "X" as a signature mark.
Another example of unconventional materials in flag art is the use of a whale's tooth, known as scrimshaw, which is an engraved piece of bone, ivory, or shell. This particular scrimshaw, owned by John Wesley Cromwell, features a patriotic theme with a personified Liberty holding the American flag. While the artist is unknown, the piece is estimated to date back to the early 19th century, when such intricate carvings were a popular shipboard art form.
The painting "Flag" by Jasper Johns is another notable work that challenges the boundaries between a painting and the object it represents. Created in 1954-1955, the work is made using encaustic, oil paint, and newsprint collage on three separate canvases mounted on a plywood board. Johns chose encaustic as it allowed him to work efficiently and deliberately, preserving each discrete trace of brushwork. The painting reflects the colours and form of the US flag during the period between 1912 and 1959, with 48 stars representing the then-48 states.
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The US flag as a symbol of patriotism
The US flag is a symbol of patriotism, with a rich history and several nicknames, including "the Stars and Stripes", "Old Glory", "the Star-Spangled Banner", and "the Red, White, and Blue". The flag was created to identify US ships and forts and has evolved gradually throughout American history. The number of stars on the flag has changed over time, reflecting the addition of new states, with the latest adjustment being made in 1960 after Hawaii's admission.
The US flag has become a powerful symbol of Americanism and patriotism. It is widely displayed on public buildings, private residences, car decals, and clothing items. The flag is also flown on many occasions, with giant outdoor flags used by retail outlets to attract customers. The reverence for the flag has reached a level of religious fervour for some, with the book "The Religion of Old Glory" by William Norman Guthrie discussing "the cult of the flag". Despite attempts to ban it, desecration of the flag is protected as free speech under the First Amendment.
The US flag has been a source of controversy in recent times, with some associating it with extremist values. During the 2007 presidential campaign, Barack Obama was criticised for not wearing an American flag pin, sparking a debate about the true meaning of patriotism. Liberal politicians have distanced themselves from the flag, viewing it as a symbol of fake patriotism rather than a representation of American ideals.
On the other hand, conservative politicians have strongly embraced the flag as a symbol of patriotism. This has led to a perception of the flag as representing the conservative dream rather than the shared identity of all American citizens. The flag has also been used in protests against the Iraq War, highlighting the complex and evolving nature of its symbolism.
Despite the differing interpretations and controversies surrounding the US flag, it remains a powerful symbol of patriotism for many Americans. It represents freedom, liberty, and the ideals that the country was founded upon. The flag is honoured on Flag Day, which was established in 1949, and is flown at half-staff during times of national mourning. The flag is also a source of pride for the US Armed Forces, who display it on uniforms, fly it over military bases, carry it into battle, and drape it over the coffins of fallen service members.
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The influence of ancient Egyptian artistic techniques
Ancient Egyptian artistic techniques and symbolism have had a profound and lasting influence on the design of the Egyptian flag. While the country's first true national flag was established on February 16, 1915, the evolution of the flag reflects ancient traditions and artistic expressions.
Ancient Egyptian banners and standards were used in ceremonies, battles, and religious rituals. These visual symbols served to signify identity, power, and a connection to the divine. Each banner typically represented a deity, city, or military unit, and they were unifying markers for those who rallied under them. The ancient Egyptians' use of bright colours and unique symbols, such as the Eye of Horus, conveyed the power and grace of their civilisation. The Eye of Horus, for example, was seen as a symbol of royal power and divine authority.
The modern Egyptian flag continues to draw on this rich history and deep symbolism. The tricolour design, with its red, white, and black stripes, symbolises unity, resilience, and Pan-Arab identity. Each colour has a specific meaning: red represents the blood spilled during Egypt's struggle against colonialism and monarchy; white represents the peaceful revolution that overthrew the monarchy; and black signifies the end of Egypt's dark past under foreign occupation.
The inclusion of the Eagle of Saladin in the flag's centre further emphasises the influence of ancient Egyptian artistic traditions. The eagle, an ancient symbol of justice and power, connects modern Egypt to its historical Islamic leader, Saladin, who fought against Crusaders and ruled Egypt and Syria. The eagle holds a scroll bearing the words "Arab Republic of Egypt", reinforcing the country's identity and pride.
The Egyptian flag, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the country's ancient artistic heritage, struggles, triumphs, and enduring aspirations. It is a testament to Egypt's resilience and unity, reflecting its cultural evolution and hopes for the future.
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The role of flags in times of conflict
Flags have long been used as a symbol of patriotism and national pride. They are often used to express allegiances during times of conflict, but they can also be a means of refusing engagement or expressing dissent. The very act of flying a flag can be an act of defiance or resistance.
The American flag, with its distinctive red, white, and blue design, has been the subject of numerous artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and carvings. During the First World War, Childe Hassam, the most prominent of the "Ten American Painters," produced a series of paintings of flag-decorated streets, including "The Avenue in the Rain," which has been described as "a vibrant flag unto itself."
In the 1950s, Jasper Johns created "Flag," a painting that challenged the notion of what a painting is and how it differs from the object it represents. Johns' work, inspired by a dream of the U.S. flag, is a riddle that questions the nature of art and patriotism. The painting is a pivotal work within the history of modern American art and Abstract Expressionism.
Another notable artwork is "New Age of Slavery" by Patrick Campbell, a watercolour painting that gained widespread attention after it was posted on social media. The painting depicts the bodies of lynched men, women, and children in the blood-splattered red stripes of the American flag, drawing attention to the tragic killings of unarmed black individuals.
Flags and flag imagery continue to play a significant role in times of conflict, allowing people to express their positions and provoke conversations about important social issues. They serve as a powerful reminder of the complex relationship between art, patriotism, and resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
'Flag' is an encaustic painting by the American artist Jasper Johns. It was created between 1954-1955, two years after Johns was discharged from the U.S. Army.
Johns was inspired by a dream in which he saw himself painting an American flag. He also drew inspiration from ancient Egyptian artistic techniques.
'Flag' is a pivotal object within the history of modern American art. It is said to have introduced Johns as a key New York artist and brought his painting into dialogue with Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and the Civil War.
The title 'Flag' is a riddle in itself. It challenges the viewer to question what a painting is and how it differs from the object it represents.
