Jasper Johns' Map paintings are arguably some of his most recognizable and influential works. More than just depictions of geographical locations, these pieces delve into complex themes of perception, representation, and the very nature of art itself. This exploration delves into the nuances of Johns' Map series, examining its artistic significance, evolution, and enduring impact on the art world.
The Genesis of Johns' Maps: A Departure from Abstract Expressionism
Emerging in the late 1960s, Johns' Map paintings presented a stark contrast to the prevailing Abstract Expressionist movement. While Abstract Expressionism prioritized emotional expression through spontaneous gestures, Johns favored a cooler, more calculated approach, focusing on the deliberate manipulation of pre-existing imagery. His use of everyday objects and pre-conceived visual motifs, like maps, challenged the very foundations of artistic creation.
The selection of a map as his subject matter wasn't arbitrary. Maps, by their very nature, are representations of reality, filtered through the lens of cartography. Johns cleverly utilized this inherent ambiguity, questioning the relationship between the map and the territory it represents. Are maps accurate portrayals of the world, or are they merely subjective interpretations? This fundamental question lies at the heart of the Map series.
The Technique: A Blend of Precision and Improvisation
Johns' Map paintings are characterized by their meticulous execution and the surprising use of encaustic—a painting technique using pigmented beeswax— which gave the works a unique texture and a subtly luminous quality. The application wasn't always uniform; often, layers of encaustic were built up, revealing traces of previous marks and creating a sense of depth and history within the work itself. This layering further reflects the complex layering of meaning within the maps themselves.
The choice of encaustic was significant. It allowed Johns to create a surface that was both smooth and textured, mirroring the duality inherent in the concept of a map. This technique, uncommon in contemporary art, added another layer of innovation and exploration to the series.
Iconic Works and Their Interpretations
Within the Map series, several works stand out for their impact and unique characteristics. While each Map painting is unique, some recurring themes emerge:
Map (1964): A Defining Example
This particular piece often serves as the quintessential example of the series. Its directness and simplicity, the bold use of color and texture, communicate a powerful message about representation and perception. The encaustic's subtle variations in tone and texture enhance the overall visual complexity, making it much more than a simple reproduction of a map.
Variations and Evolution: Beyond the Initial Concept
Over time, Johns continued to explore the Map motif, introducing variations in scale, color palette, and even the underlying map itself. These iterations weren't simply repetitions; they were a continuous exploration of the thematic concerns that underpinned the series. He further developed the idea of representation, challenging viewers to reconsider how we perceive and interpret the world around us.
The Enduring Legacy of the Map Paintings
Jasper Johns' Map paintings continue to resonate with audiences and scholars alike. Their enduring appeal lies in their ability to transcend the purely visual, engaging viewers on an intellectual and conceptual level. By grappling with fundamental questions about representation, perception, and the very nature of artistic creation, these works maintain their relevance and power in contemporary art discourse. They serve as a testament to Johns' enduring influence and groundbreaking approach to artmaking.
The author is an art historian specializing in 20th and 21st-century American art.
