At a time when the dominant mode of painting,Abstract Expressionism,emphasized expressive drama through bold brushwork and largely abstract compositions, Johns' paintings of the American flag, targets, numbers and the alphabet demonstrated a decided departure from convention.Despite being painted with obvious care, they seemed emotionally reticent, cool and quiet, far from the emotional fireworks then fashionable."It all began... with my painting a picture of an American flag. Using this design took care of a great deal for me because I didn't have to design it. So I went on to similar things li |