False Start by Jasper Johns, an enigmatic artwork, invites us to delve into the depths of its symbolic imagery and artistic brilliance. This masterpiece challenges conventional notions, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of discovery and contemplation.
Created in 1959, False Start stands as a testament to Johns’ unique artistic vision and profound influence on contemporary art.
False Start by Jasper Johns
False Start is a painting created by American artist Jasper Johns in 1959. Measuring 183.5 x 122.2 cm (72 1/4 x 48 1/8 in), the artwork depicts a series of concentric circles and lines, rendered in encaustic on canvas.
The title “False Start” suggests a sense of incompleteness or interruption, hinting at the ongoing process of artistic creation. Johns’ use of encaustic, a wax-based medium, further emphasizes this idea, as it allows for multiple layers and revisions to be made.
Artistic Style and Techniques
False Start exemplifies Johns’ signature artistic style, characterized by its use of simple, everyday objects and symbols. The concentric circles and lines are reminiscent of targets, clocks, or other familiar forms, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between representation and abstraction.
Johns’ meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in the painting’s precise execution. The subtle variations in color and texture within the encaustic layers create a sense of depth and movement, drawing viewers into the artwork’s intricate surface.
Symbolism and Interpretation
Jasper Johns’s False Startpresents a collection of everyday objects arranged in a deliberate and enigmatic composition. Each object carries its own symbolic significance, contributing to the overall meaning and interpretation of the artwork.
Objects and Their Symbolism, False start by jasper johns
- Two Flags:The American flags evoke a sense of patriotism, nationalism, and political identity. They may also represent the tension between conformity and individuality.
- Two Balls:The balls, one black and one white, symbolize opposites and duality. They could represent the contrast between light and dark, good and evil, or the artist’s own conflicting emotions.
- Two Brushes:The brushes suggest the act of painting and artistic creation. They may also represent the artist’s struggle to find inspiration or the difficulties of the creative process.
- Ruler:The ruler represents measurement, precision, and order. It may symbolize the artist’s attempt to impose structure on his chaotic thoughts or the desire for control over his art.
- Target:The target suggests a sense of aim or purpose. It may represent the artist’s desire to hit the mark or achieve a specific goal.
Arrangement and Composition
The objects in False Startare arranged in a seemingly random and disjointed manner. However, upon closer examination, a sense of order emerges. The flags are placed at the top, like a banner, while the balls, brushes, ruler, and target are scattered across the canvas.
This arrangement creates a tension between the familiar and the unexpected, the orderly and the chaotic.
Color and Texture
The interplay of colors and textures in False Startfurther enhances the artwork’s symbolic meaning. The bright red, white, and blue of the flags contrast with the muted tones of the other objects. The smooth, glossy surface of the balls juxtaposes with the rough, textured surface of the ruler.
These contrasting elements contribute to the sense of tension and ambiguity in the composition.
Artistic Influences and Context
Jasper Johns’ “False Start” was influenced by a diverse range of artistic and cultural currents. The artwork’s simplified forms and use of everyday objects reflect the influence of Dadaism and Surrealism, which emphasized the irrational and the absurd.
The broader cultural and historical context of the 1950s also played a role in shaping “False Start.” The Cold War and the rise of consumerism created a sense of uncertainty and alienation that is evident in the artwork’s fragmented and ambiguous imagery.
Dadaism and Surrealism
Dadaism and Surrealism emerged in the early 20th century as reactions to the rationalism and materialism of the Enlightenment. Dadaists sought to challenge traditional notions of art and reason, often using satire and absurdity to express their discontent.
Surrealism, on the other hand, explored the subconscious mind and the irrational. Surrealists believed that art should be a means of expressing the unconscious, and they often used dreamlike imagery and automatic writing to create their works.
The Cold War and Consumerism
The Cold War and the rise of consumerism in the 1950s created a sense of uncertainty and alienation. The threat of nuclear war and the increasing materialism of society led many people to question the meaning of life and the value of traditional institutions.
“False Start” reflects this sense of uncertainty and alienation in its fragmented and ambiguous imagery. The artwork’s title, “False Start,” suggests a sense of failure or incompleteness, and the use of everyday objects, such as the ruler and the light bulb, further reinforces the idea of a world that is out of joint.
Jasper Johns’ False Start, a painting of two pairs of legs in shoes, brings to mind words with the root “urb,” such as urban and suburban . These words evoke a sense of place, of the city and its outskirts, which is reflected in the painting’s depiction of urban footwear.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its initial release in 1959, “False Start” received mixed critical reactions. Some critics were perplexed by its ambiguous imagery and lack of discernible subject matter, while others recognized its innovative approach and groundbreaking significance.
Over time, the artwork’s critical interpretation has evolved. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was primarily viewed as a reflection of Jasper Johns’ interest in the nature of representation and the boundaries of painting. In the 1980s and 1990s, its political and social undertones became more prominent, with critics drawing parallels between the artwork’s fragmented and incomplete imagery and the social and political unrest of the time.
Impact on Contemporary Art
“False Start” has had a profound impact on the development of contemporary art. Its exploration of the limits of painting and its use of unconventional materials and techniques paved the way for the emergence of new artistic movements such as Pop Art and Minimalism.
The artwork’s emphasis on ambiguity and open-ended interpretation has also influenced subsequent generations of artists, encouraging them to challenge traditional notions of representation and meaning in art.
Enduring Relevance
“False Start” remains an enduringly relevant artwork today. Its ability to provoke thought and challenge assumptions about art’s purpose and significance ensures its continued relevance in contemporary artistic discourse.
The artwork’s enduring appeal lies in its timeless exploration of the human condition and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations.
FAQs
What is the significance of the title “False Start”?
The title suggests a sense of incompleteness or interruption, reflecting Johns’ interest in exploring the boundaries between art and life.
What are the key objects depicted in the artwork?
False Start features a series of everyday objects, including two rulers, a paintbrush, and a target, arranged in a seemingly random manner.
How does Johns use color and texture in the artwork?
Johns employs a limited color palette, primarily using shades of gray and black. The rough, textured surface adds a sense of depth and tactile quality.
