From Mind/Mirror exhibit, Whitney Museum of American Art
Johns has made more than 40 paintings of flags.
Johns first American flag painting was done in 1954, two years after he was honorably discharged from the Army.
Before painting his first flag in 1954, Johns destroyed all of his previous works of art.
Johns claims that the idea of painting the American flag came to him in a dream.
Johns has never given any indication that there is any symbolism or political implications in his various depictions of the American flag.
off the leash 
Fascinating.
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I’ve long been intrigued by these flags. Interestingly, I had read that the “political” statement was that, although the flags look beautiful from afar, up close you see the scars and mysterious holes in the flags.
???
Julie
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Interesting. Wonder if that came from the artist or was somebody’s interpretation.
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Here are two different ideas about the flags. Interestingly, I taught first grade for many years, and had a print of one of the flags displayed. Mostly my students were curious as to “why the flag wasn’t painted neatly” 😉
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-does-a-jasper-johns-flag-stand-for_b_59591fb3e4b0f078efd98adf
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2020/nov/03/jasper-johns-flags-i-print-british-museum-donald-trump-america
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Interesting. I’d not heard of Jaspar John before. Although he never gave any indication that there is any symbolism or political implications in his various depictions of the American flag, I have to think there must be some.
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I love the painting of the three flags, one on top of the other. I never heard of Jasper Johns before I googled him and found some interesting information about him. Thank you for sharing this. I like learning new things.
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