This iconic 1955 painting by Jasper Johns presents a classic shooting target motif, augmented with four plaster casts of human faces affixed to the canvas below the concentric circles. This assemblage of elements, combined with the encaustic technique employed, creates a complex interplay between representation and abstraction, questioning the very nature of visual perception and artistic expression. The work’s texture, achieved through the layering of beeswax and pigment, adds a further dimension to its materiality and meaning.
The piece marked a significant turning point in American art, shifting the focus away from Abstract Expressionism’s emotional gestures toward a cooler, more objective exploration of everyday objects. By depicting a recognizable symbol stripped of its usual context, Johns challenged viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about art’s purpose and subject matter. This act of recontextualization paved the way for Pop Art and Minimalism, profoundly influencing the development of contemporary art. Its historical significance lies in its pivotal role in bridging the gap between Abstract Expressionism and the emerging art movements of the 1960s.
