Assignment #3: “Flag” by Jasper Johns
by jemerson122
This is an image of an original painting named “Flag” by Jasper Johns. I recently visited the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and took this picture because the texturing up close was really impressive. From far away it looks like an ordinary American flag, but the layers of newspaper and encaustic paint he used to form lumps and smears caught my eye. I will analyze this image by breaking down the components of a sign, its denotative and connotative aspect, and its role as an image icon.
Every sign is composed of two parts: the signifier and the signified. A signifier is the sound, written word, or image; in this case the flag would be the signifier. The signified component is the concept evoked by that sound, written word, or image. The American flag evokes a feeling of Americanism, pride, and loyalty to the United States of America.
Another way to analyze an image is to break down the denotative and connotative aspects. Denotative refers the literal, descriptive meaning of an image. In this case it refers to a flag with six white stripes, seven red stripes, and 48 white stars on top of a blue rectangle, all made with plywood, strips of newspaper, and encaustic paint. Connotative meanings rely on its cultural context and what the image means to the viewers personally. This image represents my freedom and those who fight every day for our country, while for someone across the world it might represent their enemy. This image also carries artistic value for me personally because I am a Visualization student that’s surrounded by art every day. Referring to the connotative aspect, it serves as a reminder that there are no limits in art and that any materials can be used to create an inspiring piece of work.
An image icon is defined as something or someone that has great symbolic meaning for many people. Icons are often perceived to present universal concept, emotions, or meanings. I continuously think of September 11th every time I see an American flag and the impact it had on our country, but I also know that it’s something people relate to across the world. While studying in Italy during the fall of 2011, the town of Castiglion Fiorentino held a memorial service out of respect for the United States. The traumatic event is still so new in my mind that I automatically think of that day when I see American flags. Jasper Johns mentioned that the American flag is something “the mind already knows” because it is so easily remembered worldwide. As I mentioned before, it is an image icon representing Americanism, pride, and loyalty to the United States of America.
Sources:
“Practices of Looking” handout
Jessica Emerson 
A very clear breakdown of the ideas in the article and how they relate to your image.