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9/3/2007

Jasper Johns

National Gallery of Art, Washington

States and Variations

curated by Ruth Fine

A 1969 portfolio of 13 prints, 1st Etchings, 2nd State, by renowned artist Jasper Johns (b. 1930) is the focus of States and Variations: Prints by Jasper Johns. The exhibition, which includes 63 works dating from 1960—the year Johns first undertook printmaking—through 1982, highlights Johns' distinctive printmaking process. On view March 11 through October 28, 2007 in the National Gallery of Art, East Building, the exhibition complements Jasper Johns: An Allegory of Painting, 1955-1965, also on view in the East Building, through April 29, 2007.

States and Variations presents the artist's reexamination of six motifs depicted in the portfolio—Ale Cans, Paint Brushes, Flag, Light Bulb, Flashlight, and 0 through 9 (a configuration of superimposed numerals). These "found" objects that Johns has referred to as "things the mind already knows" are represented in lithography, etching, screenprint, monotype, and lead relief. Together they reveal how changes in size, color, composition, and process alter the visual impact of each of the six motifs. The works on view are from the collection of the National Gallery of Art, with the addition of several important loans from the artist.

"Jasper Johns' prints are among the most significant works to emerge from the late 20th-century printmaking renaissance," said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art. "We are extremely fortunate to be able to select States and Variations primarily from the Gallery's permanent collection, and we are grateful to Jasper Johns for several generous loans."

A master in many media, Johns is a printmaker of immense curiosity and skill. By the time he completed 1st Etchings, 2nd State in 1969 he had established his method of reexamining a body of motifs—in paintings, sculpture, drawings, and prints—a practice that is reflected throughout the exhibition. The first section of States and Variations includes early images of four of the portfolio motifs; the second section presents the entire 1st Etchings, 2nd State portfolio; and the third section displays works postdating the portfolio that incorporate its imagery.

On display in all three sections, further highlighting the role of theme and variation in Johns' art, are trial proofs for many of the editions, several of which are enhanced with Johns' extensive drawn additions. Documenting changes he made before achieving the final images, these proofs not only provide nuanced insight into Johns' artistic process, but also function as individual works of art.

Opening: march 10 2007

National Gallery of Art
4th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W. - Washington
Open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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