Target

Definition

In the context of art, especially in Jasper Johns' work, a target refers to an artistic representation that uses the imagery of a bullseye or concentric circles to evoke themes of perception, symbolism, and the nature of seeing. This motif invites viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels, prompting questions about meaning and interpretation while challenging traditional notions of representation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jasper Johns' targets are not just simple shapes; they serve as complex visual languages that question the viewer's understanding of art and reality.
2. The use of targets in Johns' work reflects a fascination with perception and how familiar symbols can be transformed into art.
3. Johns' targets often incorporate layers of texture and color, emphasizing the physicality of paint while simultaneously engaging with conceptual ideas.
4. By using targets, Johns challenges the viewer to consider the relationship between the object and its representation, inviting interpretations that go beyond mere aesthetics.
5. These works blur the lines between fine art and everyday imagery, contributing significantly to the Pop Art movement's focus on consumer culture and its symbols.

Review Questions

• How do Jasper Johns' targets challenge traditional notions of representation in art?
  • Jasper Johns' targets challenge traditional notions of representation by transforming familiar symbols into complex visual experiences. Instead of merely depicting a bullseye as a straightforward image, Johns prompts viewers to engage with deeper questions about perception, meaning, and the nature of seeing. His targets invite a reconsideration of what art can be, blurring the lines between abstraction and representation while emphasizing the importance of viewer interaction.
• In what ways do Johns' targets reflect the characteristics of the Pop Art movement?
  • Johns' targets reflect key characteristics of the Pop Art movement by incorporating imagery drawn from popular culture and everyday objects. His work engages with recognizable symbols, such as bullseyes, that resonate with a wide audience while also critiquing consumerism and mass media. By elevating these mundane images to the status of fine art, Johns mirrors Pop Art's objective to blur boundaries between high and low culture, making his targets emblematic of the era's artistic exploration.
• Evaluate how Jasper Johns' use of targets contributes to broader discussions about symbolism and perception in contemporary art.
  • Jasper Johns' use of targets significantly contributes to broader discussions about symbolism and perception by encouraging viewers to reflect on their own interpretations and responses to familiar imagery. By utilizing targets as a motif, he opens dialogues about how symbols convey meaning and how viewers actively participate in constructing that meaning through their engagement with the artwork. This approach influences contemporary art by emphasizing the role of perception in understanding not just art itself but also cultural narratives, suggesting that what we see is deeply intertwined with what we think and feel.

Related terms

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, often found in art to convey deeper meanings beyond the literal.

Pop Art: An art movement characterized by themes and techniques drawn from popular mass culture, such as advertising and comic books.

Abstract Expressionism: An art movement that emphasizes spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, focusing on the act of painting itself rather than representational forms.