This volume explores the formative decade of Jasper Johns' career, from 1955 to 1965, a period that saw him emerge as a pivotal figure in American contemporary art. The book accompanies an exhibition focusing on this crucial period, showcasing Johns' iconic paintings of maps, flags, and targets. It details how his work shifted the art world away from Abstract Expressionism towards a new focus on concrete imagery, laying the foundation for Pop Art and Minimalism. The analysis within the book examines diverse aspects of these early years, solidifying Johns' status as a modern art master.

This volume, published in conjunction with a major exhibition, offers a deep dive into Jasper Johns' most influential decade. The accompanying analyses are designed to illuminate the significance of his early works, which are credited with redirecting the course of American art. The book's focus on the period 1955-1965 highlights the creation of his most recognizable pieces and their role in establishing him as a leading figure in modern art. It serves as both a visual record and an intellectual exploration of a transformative period in art history.