The artwork “Flags (ULAE 42)” is a creation by the artist Jasper Johns, who is prominent within the Pop Art movement. This figurative work is an example of how Johns frequently incorporates symbols, such as flags, into his art, challenging viewers to see familiar images in new ways.
The artwork presents a rendition of the American flag with a noticeably unconventional color scheme. Instead of the traditional red, white, and blue, the flag depicted at the upper section of the composition features a combination of orange for the field of stars and green for the stripes. Below this, there is a grayscale representation of the flag, emphasizing the hues and tones independent of the flag’s regular coloration. The background is dark with visible brushstrokes that add texture to the field surrounding the flags. The contrast between the vibrant colored flag and the muted one beneath it could be interpreted as an exploration of perception, symbolism, and the variance in meaning when an icon is altered in color and presentation. Johns’ work invites contemplation on the nature of national symbols and their significance beyond their conventional representations. The layering of these two different colored flags, set against the textured, somber background, provides a stark juxtaposition that engages the viewer in a dialogue about identity, conformity, and individuality within the context of American culture.
