When Lauren Mikiten, a graphic design graduate from Texas State University and longtime resident of San Marcos, stumbled upon a poster board displaying a painting by Jasper Johns outside of a Jason’s Deli on Highway 80, she was intrigued. The artwork depicted a replica of Johns’ famous piece “Three Flags,” accompanied by a handwritten biography of the artist. Curious about the origins of this unexpected display, Lauren embarked on a journey to unravel the mystery behind its presence on the side of a deli building.
The Enigmatic Display
Located in the San Mar Plaza, the poster board featuring Jasper Johns’ artwork was strategically placed by the dumpsters, away from the bustling city streets and hidden behind overgrown bushes. Despite its obscure location, the display was meticulously hand-painted, showcasing attention to detail and artistic dedication. Lauren, with her keen eye for design, noted the contrast between the faded, cracked paint on the poster board and the vibrant colors of Johns’ original masterpiece.
A Timeline Unveiled
Delving deeper into the history of the poster board, Lauren discovered through Google Street View images that it had been in place since at least 2008. The gradual weathering of the artwork over the years hinted at its enduring presence in the San Marcos landscape. As Lauren pondered the significance of the display, she couldn’t help but wonder about the individual responsible for its creation and maintenance.
Exploring Jasper Johns’ Legacy
Jasper Johns, an iconic American postwar artist renowned for his paintings of flags, holds a special place in art history. His exploration of themes related to identity, symbolism, and artistic expression has captivated audiences worldwide. Jennifer Stob, a professor at Texas State University, shed light on Johns’ artistic journey and the challenges he faced as a gay man in a society resistant to acknowledging his sexuality openly.
Johns’ unique artistic vision, exemplified in works like “Three Flags,” transcends traditional boundaries and invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of American identity and culture. His innovative use of materials, such as hot wax on canvas, reflects a blend of painting and sculpture that defies conventional artistic conventions.
The Legacy of Public Art
The placement of the Jasper Johns poster board outside of Jason’s Deli was not a random act but a deliberate choice by property manager Steve Hagara and investor Bill Hutchinson. Hutchinson, a passionate art collector, initiated a project to commission educational art posters and display them in public spaces across Texas. The poster board at Jason’s Deli, created by the mother of Hutchinson’s ex-girlfriend, stands as a testament to his enduring love for art and dedication to sharing it with the community.
Despite the passage of time and changing ownership of properties, the Jasper Johns artwork remains a symbol of artistic expression and creative inspiration. Hutchinson’s hope that passersby would take a moment to appreciate the artwork reflects a belief in the power of art to engage and provoke thought in unexpected places.
A Call to Appreciate Art
As Lauren Mikiten’s discovery unraveled the story behind the Jasper Johns poster board, it served as a reminder of the enduring impact of art on our lives. Whether displayed in a prestigious museum or tucked away by a deli dumpster, art has the power to transcend boundaries and spark conversations about identity, creativity, and cultural significance.
In a world filled with distractions and challenges, taking a moment to pause and appreciate the beauty of art can enrich our lives and connect us to something greater than ourselves. The display of Jasper Johns’ artwork in an unconventional setting serves as a poignant reminder of the value of art in unexpected places and the importance of embracing creativity in all its forms.
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us heed the call to seek out art, wherever it may be found, and celebrate the transformative power of artistic expression in our communities. Let us honor the legacy of artists like Jasper Johns and embrace the beauty of creativity as a source of inspiration and connection in a world that often forgets the significance of art in shaping our shared humanity.
