The Seasons [9th state (Fall)] 1989

Editor: So this is "The Seasons [9th state (Fall)]", an etching by Jasper Johns from 1989. It feels like a collection of fragmented memories or still life objects layered upon each other. What historical context might illuminate this print? Curator: Well, Johns is, of course, a pivotal figure linking Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Prints like these showcase his ongoing exploration of personal iconography. The title "The Seasons," combined with the layered imagery, speaks to themes of time, memory, and the cyclical nature of life. Does that resonate for you? Editor: Yes, I noticed what appear to be shapes of the human body on the edges, almost ghostlike. Is Johns commenting on the presence and absence of the figure in modern life? Curator: Precisely. The abstracted forms flanking the central image hint at human presence but are not explicitly figurative. This ambiguity invites the viewer to reflect on the human condition. His work often uses established visual languages to prompt philosophical thought. And that text fragment, “Chute de Glace” – do you have a thought about it? Editor: Hmm…Ice fall. Does it refer to the decline associated with autumn or aging? Curator: Could be! Its prominent inclusion signals it’s more than arbitrary. In many ways, Johns’ prints question what constitutes both public and private symbolism, prompting an enduring discussion about art's public role in meaning-making. Editor: So he challenges us to examine the socio-political dimensions behind what might appear as abstract musings? Curator: Exactly. Johns compels us to question the accepted narratives surrounding imagery and invites us to actively participate in its interpretation, a potent act in the politics of art. Editor: This gives me so much to think about. I thought it was a beautiful image, but now I recognize the depth of cultural references embedded in it. Curator: Precisely. The beauty invites you to look closer, and what’s underneath are those complex dialogues.