Drawings 1997-2007. The works are filled with autobiographical references and allusions to earlier art-historical precursors. They often combine his now-famous motifs from early in his career - flags, maps, numerals, cross-hatching - with new ones - a Harlequin's costume, a piece of string, or flagstones.
This will be Jasper Johns' second one-person show at Matthew Marks Gallery.
A wide variety of subject matter and media can be seen in Johns' drawings made over the past ten years. The works are filled with autobiographical references and allusions to earlier art-historical precursors. They often combine his now-famous motifs from early in his career – flags, maps, numerals, cross-hatching – with new ones – a Harlequin's costume, a piece of string, or flagstones. Thomas Crow, in the catalogue that accompanies the exhibition, writes that Johns treats these motifs "like interchangeable members of an alphabet or lexicon."
Johns makes his drawings in ink, charcoal, watercolor, acrylic paint, pastel, and/or graphite pencil, among other media, on many different kinds of paper, as well as sheets of plastic.
A hard-cover publication will be available, including an essay by the art-historian Thomas Crow and over 50 color illustrations.
Opening: Friday, February 1, 6 - 8PM
Matthew Marks Gallery
522 West 22 Street - New York