Target with Four Faces - Surrealist Explorations and Pop Art Influences

Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Roy Lichtenstein are giants of 20th-century American art, their names synonymous with innovation and boundary-pushing creativity. However, nestled within this pantheon is Jasper Johns, a master whose work defies easy categorization. His paintings, sculptures, and prints often feature everyday objects – flags, targets, numbers – transformed into enigmatic, powerful symbols.

Johns’s “Target with Four Faces,” created in 1955, stands as a seminal example of his artistic vision. This oil painting on canvas depicts a simple bullseye target superimposed over four overlapping faces. The seemingly incongruous juxtaposition immediately grabs the viewer’s attention, prompting questions about meaning and intention.

The central target itself is rendered with meticulous precision, each concentric circle clearly defined, yet appearing strangely ethereal. Johns achieved this effect through his masterful use of encaustic paint – a mixture of pigment and hot wax – which he applied in thin layers, building up the surface with a remarkable smoothness and luminosity.

Surrounding the target are four faces: two turned inwards towards the bullseye, two outwards. These faces are fragmented and indistinct, their features obscured by a veil of shadow and color. They seem to be simultaneously engaged with and repelled by the target, creating a sense of ambiguity and tension.

Feature	Description
Subject Matter	Target superimposed on four overlapping faces
Technique	Encaustic paint (pigment mixed with hot wax) applied in thin layers
Style	Abstract Expressionism with Pop Art influences
Symbolism	Exploration of American identity, perception, and the nature of art itself

Johns’s “Target with Four Faces” can be interpreted on several levels. On a surface level, it appears to be a straightforward depiction of a target – a symbol instantly recognizable in American culture. However, by juxtaposing this familiar icon with fragmented faces, Johns imbues the work with deeper meaning.

The target could be seen as representing the objective, measurable world, while the faces symbolize the subjective, emotional realm. The juxtaposition suggests a tension between these two domains, questioning the nature of reality and perception.

Johns was also fascinated by the way everyday objects could acquire new meaning through artistic intervention. By elevating a simple target to the status of art, he challenges viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about what constitutes beauty or value.

The influence of Abstract Expressionism – the dominant artistic movement in America at the time – is evident in Johns’s loose brushstrokes and emphasis on composition. Yet, “Target with Four Faces” also foreshadows the emergence of Pop Art, a movement that celebrated popular culture imagery.

Johns’s use of everyday objects like targets, flags, and numbers prefigures the work of Warhol and Lichtenstein, who would later embrace mass-produced imagery as their primary subject matter.

The faces in “Target with Four Faces” are reminiscent of masks, evoking themes of identity and transformation. This motif also connects Johns’s work to ancient artistic traditions, suggesting a timeless fascination with the human face and its ability to convey meaning.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of “Target with Four Faces” is its openness to interpretation. Unlike works that offer a clear-cut message or narrative, Johns’s painting invites viewers to engage in a dialogue with the artwork, constructing their own meanings based on their individual experiences and perspectives. This ambiguity, rather than being a weakness, is a testament to the power of Johns’s art.

“Target with Four Faces” remains one of Jasper Johns’s most iconic and influential works. It exemplifies his unique ability to blend abstract and figurative elements, exploring complex themes through deceptively simple imagery. As we continue to grapple with questions about identity, perception, and the nature of reality in a rapidly changing world, Johns’s work offers enduring insights into the human condition.