Jasper Johns, an American artist, painted a series of motifs in the mid-1950s that included the American flag, numbers and targets. His work prioritizes process and experimentation over definitive conclusions. The target has been a central motif in his works since 1955, and he has depicted it in various media.
Green Target is one of the earliest targets Johns ever made; he completed it in early 1956. Green Target features his signature bull’s-eye motif with a green background. Interestingly, Johns’ targets also seem to look back at the beholder as if observing them.
Johns deliberately avoided creating art cut off from everyday life; instead, he used common signs like flags and targets as subject matters for his works. This approach adds to their relatability to everyday audiences.
Apart from his use of specific motifs like flags and targets, Jasper Johns is associated with several artistic movements such as abstract expressionism, Neo-Dadaism, and Pop Art. His works remain highly regarded by critics today due to their distinctive style and groundbreaking techniques.
In conclusion, Green Target by Jasper Johns is one of the earliest examples of his famous bull’s-eye motif work that took art circles by surprise with its simplicity yet effective message conveyed through symbols recognizable worldwide.
