Green Angel [trial proof] 1991

Curator: Jasper Johns created this work, "Green Angel [trial proof]," in 1991. It appears to be an ink print or drawing featuring stark, abstract geometric forms. Editor: My initial response is that it's somewhat unsettling, almost aggressively abstract. The sharp lines and ambiguous shapes create a feeling of tension. Curator: Indeed. Given the context of Johns' other works, specifically his incorporation of everyday objects and signs, it begs the question: what systems of production informed this print's conception? Is it a study for something larger, or a commentary on printmaking itself? The labor involved seems very intentional. Editor: Perhaps. But I'm drawn to the way these forms interact—the juxtaposition of rounded edges against sharp angles. It creates a visual rhythm that holds my attention even without any immediate referent. The line work, while simple, is incredibly deliberate. Curator: But can we ignore the historical implications? Consider the social environment of the early 1990s, the rise of mass media and technological reproduction—how does that influence the reception of this work as a "trial proof"? Does the work critique or embrace these new modes of making? Editor: I understand your impulse to contextualize, but the impact comes from its pure form. Note how the figure rises from a relatively grounded base, almost defying gravity with its asymmetrical balance. This to me suggests deeper symbolic meanings. Curator: Yet even this "simple" drawing is itself embedded within a network of material and labor. The choice of ink, the paper stock, the printing process – each one carries meaning. Are these readily available or bespoke choices? Editor: I see your point about materiality, but ultimately, "Green Angel" achieves a rare synthesis of line, form, and space. This allows viewers to project their interpretations onto it, creating meaning regardless of production histories. Curator: For me, thinking about artistic process enhances its cultural value, rather than distracting. This helps reveal why this artwork remains so vital. Editor: Well, I'm inclined to remain here for a while longer to appreciate Johns' angular harmony and its ambiguous nature. I am compelled by this complex yet sparse image.