The artwork titled “No” was created by artist Jasper Johns in 1969. It is representative of the Neo-Dada movement and falls within the abstract genre. Johns is renowned for his innovative use of materials and his challenging of traditional assumptions about the role of art.
The artwork itself exhibits a textural, monochromatic background, predominately in a dark gray hue. A notable feature is the vertical line that seems to fissure the work from top to bottom, suggesting a crack or division within the piece. Amongst the somber tones and coarse textures, the word “NO” is prominently placed in the lower section of the artwork. This word stands out due to its definitive nature against the otherwise ambiguous background. The artwork conveys a sense of finality or opposition through this stark textual element, while the abstract qualities of the work stimulate contemplation about its deeper meaning and context within the Neo-Dada movement.
