Release Date: January 23, 2007

"States and Variations:
Prints by Jasper Johns" Highlights Johns' Distinctive Printmaking Process,
March 11–October 28, 2007

Jasper Johns (born 1930)
Savarin, 1977
lithograph, trial proof on J.B. Green paper
Collection of the artist.
Art © Jasper Johns/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Washington, DC— A 1969 portfolio of 13 prints, 1st Etchings, 2nd State, by renowned artist Jasper Johns (b. 1930) is the focus of States and Variations: Prints by Jasper Johns. The exhibition, which includes 63 works dating from 1960—the year Johns first undertook printmaking—through 1982, highlights Johns' distinctive printmaking process. On view March 11 through October 28, 2007 in the National Gallery of Art, East Building, the exhibition complements Jasper Johns: An Allegory of Painting, 1955-1965, also on view in the East Building, through April 29, 2007.

States and Variations presents the artist's reexamination of six motifs depicted in the portfolio—Ale Cans, Paint Brushes, Flag, Light Bulb, Flashlight, and 0 through 9 (a configuration of superimposed numerals). These "found" objects that Johns has referred to as "things the mind already knows" are represented in lithography, etching, screenprint, monotype, and lead relief. Together they reveal how changes in size, color, composition, and process alter the visual impact of each of the six motifs. The works on view are from the collection of the National Gallery of Art, with the addition of several important loans from the artist.

"Jasper Johns' prints are among the most significant works to emerge from the late 20th-century printmaking renaissance," said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art. "We are extremely fortunate to be able to select States and Variations primarily from the Gallery's permanent collection, and we are grateful to Jasper Johns for several generous loans."

A master in many media, Johns is a printmaker of immense curiosity and skill. By the time he completed 1st Etchings, 2nd State in 1969 he had established his method of reexamining a body of motifs—in paintings, sculpture, drawings, and prints—a practice that is reflected throughout the exhibition. The first section of States and Variations includes early images of four of the portfolio motifs; the second section presents the entire 1st Etchings, 2nd State portfolio; and the third section displays works postdating the portfolio that incorporate its imagery.

On display in all three sections, further highlighting the role of theme and variation in Johns' art, are trial proofs for many of the editions, several of which are enhanced with Johns' extensive drawn additions. Documenting changes he made before achieving the final images, these proofs not only provide nuanced insight into Johns' artistic process, but also function as individual works of art.

The exhibition is organized by the National Gallery of Art and is sponsored by The Exhibition Circle.

The curator of the exhibition is Ruth Fine, curator of special projects in modern art, National Gallery of Art.

General Information

The National Gallery of Art and its Sculpture Garden are at all times free to the public. They are located on the National Mall between 3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue NW, and are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The Gallery is closed on December 25 and January 1. For information call (202) 737-4215 or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (202) 842-6176, or visit the Gallery's Web site at www.nga.gov.

Visitors will be asked to present all carried items for inspection upon entering the East and West Buildings. Checkrooms are free of charge and located at each entrance. Luggage and other oversized bags must be presented at the 4th Street entrances to the East or West Building to permit x-ray screening and must be deposited in the checkrooms at those entrances. For the safety of visitors and the works of art, nothing may be carried into the Gallery on a visitor's back. Any bag or other items that cannot be carried reasonably and safely in some other manner must be left in the checkrooms. Items larger than 17 x 26 inches cannot be accepted by the Gallery or its checkrooms.

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"States and Variations: Prints by Jasper Johns" Highlights Johns' Distinctive Printmaking Process, March 11–October 28, 2007

"States and Variations:
Prints by Jasper Johns" Highlights Johns' Distinctive Printmaking Process,
March 11–October 28, 2007