The artwork titled “Scott Fagan Record” was created by artist Jasper Johns in 1970. As a representative work of the Pop Art movement, it can be categorized under the genre of figurative art. This piece displays the aesthetic and thematic qualities that defined Pop Art during that period, incorporating everyday objects into fine art as a means of blurring the boundaries between high culture and consumer culture.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately drawn to its central portrayal of a vinyl record. The record itself is depicted in monochromatic tones, providing a sense of depth and realism to the grooves that are characteristic of vinyl recordings. At the center, the label is discernible despite signs of wear and degradation, suggesting a history of use and a connection to the passage of time. This could serve as a reflection on the impermanence of media and the ephemeral nature of popular culture.
Below the record, one can notice a horizontal line comprised of various colors which stands in stark contrast to the grayscale depiction of the vinyl above. This addition of color may evoke the essence of Pop Art’s playfulness and its visual dialogue with commercial printing techniques. Jasper Johns, by incorporating a real-world object into his artwork, invites contemplation on the interplay between art and the everyday items that populate our lives. The inclusion of the year ’72 in the artist’s signature further contextualizes the work within a specific moment in time.
