Barbara Hess

For me, there are several flaws to this book.

First, it skims over a lot of content. Jasper Johns has a huge variety of work that spans many different art -isms which isn't reflected in the book. Its short, I read it in a day, but not in a way that is still satisfactory.

Second, the author sometimes times to find a meaning in a Johns art work instead of stating the facts so the reader/viewer can form their own opinions on the art. Art should be a personal experience between the viewer and the art only, others may have different experiences with the art which is why this is necessary.

Third, it's lacking content on where Johns stands in relation to art history. His work can be seen in almost every noteworthy art museum across the global. The author picked only a hand full of artworks to be extremely detailed about, rather than cover the full range of Johns work.

The pictures and prints make the book more enjoyable. Its not a bad book for the price and the time but more experienced art historians or those wishing to learn about Jasper Johns should probably find a different book with more content.… (más)