Josef Albers

Daniel Arsham

Tauba Auerbach

Francis Bacon

John Baldessari

Banksy

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Mel Bochner

Louise Bourgeois

Mr Brainwash

Georges Braque

The Connor Brothers

Patrick Caulfield

Christo

Salvador Dali

Richard Diebenkorn

Jim Dine

Bob Dylan

Tracey Emin

Max Ernst

Maurits Cornelis Escher

Shepard Fairey

Sam Francis

Helen Frankenthaler

Lucian Freud

Elisabeth Frink

Sir Terry Frost

Antony Gormley

Keith Haring

Conor Harrington

Erich Heckel

Damien Hirst

David Hockney

Howard Hodgkin

Loie Hollowell

Shara Hughes

Robert Indiana

Invader

Jasper Johns

Rashid Johnson

Donald Judd

Alex Katz

KAWS

Ellsworth Kelly

Jeff Koons

Yayoi Kusama

Chris Levine

Sol Lewitt

Roy Lichtenstein

Robert Longo

L S Lowry

Agnes Martin

Harland Miller

Henry Moore

Robert Motherwell

Otto Mueller

Edvard Munch

Takashi Murakami

Yoshitomo Nara

Alice Neel

Thierry Noir

Julian Opie

Nicolas Party

Victor Pasmore

Pejac

Adam Pendleton

Grayson Perry

Niki de Saint Phalle

Pablo Picasso

John Piper

Robert Rauschenberg

Gerhard Richter

Bridget Riley

Ayako Rokkaku

Ed Ruscha

David Shrigley

Pierre Soulages

Frank Stella

Stik

Wayne Thiebaud

Cy Twombly

Victor Vasarely

Andy Warhol

Ai Weiwei

Tom Wesselmann

Kehinde Wiley

David Wojnarowicz

Christopher Wool

, the iconic American artist celebrated for his profound impact on contemporary art, continues to captivate audiences with his innovative use of symbols and everyday objects. As we navigate 2024 and beyond, a series of exhibitions across major museums and galleries will explore Johns' groundbreaking contributions to 

. From his iconic flags and targets, to his inventive use of encaustic painting, these retrospectives offer a deep dive into Johns' enduring influence on modern art, highlighting his unique ability to blur the boundaries between abstraction and representation.

Join us as we delve into the essential Jasper Johns exhibitions of 2024 and beyond, showcasing key galleries and iconic works that capture the depth of his artistic exploration over the decades. Whether you're revisiting Johns' influence or discovering his visual language for the first time, these exhibitions promise an immersive journey through his innovative and enduring legacy.

Discovering Jasper Johns: A Guide to Exhibitions in 2024 & Beyond

Jasper Johns Events & Exhibitions: 2024 & Beyond

 stands as one of the most influential collaborations in the history of contemporary art. Their collaboration was not just a professional partnership, it was also deeply personal, and marked a significant departure from 

. Johns and Rauschenberg redefined the trajectory of modern art by introducing a new visual language that incorporated everyday objects, which became crucial to the development of contemporary art movements, notably 

Johns and Rauschenberg met in the early 1950s in New York City, a time when the city was a hotbed of artistic innovation. Both artists were relatively unknown and struggling to find their voice within the prevailing culture of Abstract Expressionism. They were introduced by a mutual friend, the artist 

, and soon developed a profound connection. They lived and worked in adjacent studios on Pearl Street, where they fostered a private creative dialogue away from the public eye. The 1950s was a period of intense homophobia, which forced their relationship to remain largely hidden. Within this context, their private exchanges became a sanctuary where they could freely experiment and critique each other’s work.

Johns and Rauschenberg’s partnership was characterised by a unique blend of personal intimacy and professional support. They were each other’s primary audience, and this intimate environment allowed them to develop innovative ideas that questioned the nature of art, often blurring the lines between life and art. Johns once reflected, “for a number of years we were each other’s main audience,” revealing the exclusivity and importance of their creative exchange.

Their shared rejection of Abstract Expressionism’s emotional intensity was a defining aspect of their partnership. Instead of focusing on personal expression, they sought to detach their art from the self, employing a more objective and impersonal approach. This detachment was a radical departure from the art of their time, positioning them as pioneers of a new artistic language.

The Origins of Their Partnership

A Partnership That Shaped Contemporary Art

Jasper Johns’ Collaboration with Robert Rauschenberg

 is widely recognised as one of the most influential figures in 20th-century American art. Known for his innovative use of everyday symbols, Johns revolutionised the art world by incorporating recognisable imagery, such as flags, numbers, and the alphabet, into his work. Among these recurring motifs, the target stands out as one of the most significant elements in his body of work. A simple yet profound image, the target embodied Johns’ fascination with perception, ambiguity, and the intersection of the representational and the abstract.

In the mid-1950s, Johns was searching for a new artistic direction, eager to break away from the dominant Abstract Expressionism of the time. He famously destroyed much of his earlier work and began painting a set of motifs that included 

. This shift allowed him to reintroduce recognisable subject matter into his art, liberating him to explore other formal and material concerns. Among these found images, the target emerged as a central motif from 1955 to 1961, during which Johns created several paintings and drawings featuring the target.

One of Johns’ earliest and most notable target works is 

. This piece marks a significant moment in his career, establishing the target as a recurring element in his oeuvre. The artwork features a painted target in primary colours, topped with four plaster faces obscured by a hinged wooden cover. This early use of the target not only highlights Johns’ fascination with everyday symbols, but also sets the stage for his ongoing exploration of ambiguity and perception.

The Origin of the Target Motif

The Significance of the Target Motif in Jasper Johns’ Art

 is widely recognised as a transformative figure in 20th century American art. His groundbreaking approach broke away from the dominant 

 of his time, paving the way for new movements like 

. Central to Johns’ work is his fascination with repetition, the ambiguity of meaning, and symbols. In particular, his 

series, which emerged as a significant part of his oeuvre, delves deep into abstraction and symbolism, inviting viewers to explore both the simplicity and complexity of numbers as subjects.

Johns’ exploration of numbers as a central theme in his artwork evolved naturally from his earlier interest in everyday symbols like 

, targets, and maps. By the 1950s, Johns was already redefining what art could be by focusing on common, often overlooked objects. His use of familiar imagery, such as the American flag, in new and thought-provoking ways laid the groundwork for his exploration of numbers. He shifted from purely representational art to more abstract approaches, viewing numbers both as visual forms and as symbols embedded with cultural and personal meanings.

paintings in the 1960s, applying the same principles of repetition and ambiguity that marked his earlier work. In his series

, Johns delves into the aesthetic and symbolic potential of numerals, treating them not merely as functional markers but as dynamic subjects for visual investigation. Each piece within both series, representing the digits 0 through 9, is crafted with a unique approach that challenges traditional interpretations of these familiar symbols.

Utilising a range of techniques and materials, Johns reveals the layered complexity of numbers, extending their meaning beyond mere quantification to encompass personal, cultural, and historical significance. This shift from representational imagery to a more abstract engagement with numbers underscores Johns' broader artistic philosophy, which often centres on themes of perception, identity, and the fluid boundaries between object and symbol. Through this work, Johns invites viewers to reconsider the seemingly straightforward nature of numerals, exposing the intricate layers of meaning they can embody.

The Origin of the Numbers Series

A Study in Repetition and Meaning

Decoding Jasper Johns’ Numbers Paintings

Guides

Jasper Johns, a key figure in Post-War and Contemporary art, gained prominence in the 1950s and 1960s with his innovative use of encaustic wax. Known for transforming everyday objects into compelling visual statements, Johns' work challenges conventional representation. His market remains strong, with notable sales from esteemed collections like Paul G. Allen's and The Macklowe Collection. Since the 1980s, his pieces have consistently achieved high seven to eight-figure prices, underscoring his enduring impact, as reflected by significant sales in late 2022.





Jasper Johns Value: Top Prices Paid At Auction 

In addition to his artistic achievements, 

 has also made a significant impact on the art market. His works have consistently commanded high prices at auctions, and he has held the record for the highest price achieved by a living artist multiple times. Renowned for his inventive use of familiar symbols and his profound exploration of artistic expression, Johns' works have not only impressed critics and enthusiasts but have also proven to be highly coveted by collectors and investors alike. The high demand for his pieces has resulted in consistently high prices at auctions around the world, highlighting his unparalleled influence on the market.

A yellow and blue target set against a red background.

The Market for Jasper Johns Prints & Editions

Art for sale

artist jasper johns

articles

The most anticipated event in London’s art market has arrived, with the iconic white tent settling

in Regent's Park. Frieze presents its two sections: Frieze London and Frieze Masters, drawing the usual crowd of celebrities and art enthusiasts. Coinciding with the marquee auctions at 

, Frieze 2024 marks the fair's 21st edtion.

This year’s Frieze art fair held particular significance, following 

, which received lukewarm reviews and mirrored the uneasy mood brought on by rising interest rates. More gravely, the onset of the Israeli-Gaza conflict cast a somber shadow over the usual atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. Despite these challenges, the fair went on, and this year, although geopolitical unrest and high interest rates persist, the atmosphere felt refreshingly different. Walking into this year's tent was exhilarating, a feeling echoed by the dealers we spoke with. There was an undeniable buzz in the air, in-part thanks to the fresh presentation and dynamic new layout, which energised the atmosphere. It was a powerful reminder of why Frieze plays such a significant and vital role in the art market and cultural setting. 

Market

Collecting

Frieze Reports Strong Sales With A Revamped Design: The Prints and Editions Review 2024

Phillips was third in line for the October marquee auctions. On Thursday, 10th of October, Phillips sold 24 out of the 34 lots offered, achieving a hammer total of just over £12 million–23% below the anticipated £15 million presale estimate.

Concluding the October marquee evening sales of the big three auction houses, Phillips Modern & Contemporary Art Evening Sale achieved £12 million at the hammer. This total reflects a 16% decrease compared to last year. What contributed to this shortfall? One obvious factor is the high interest rates in the UK, leading to more selective buying. Additionally, Phillips presented 34 lots, just six fewer than last year, but the sale saw a higher number of withdrawn and unsold lots–three withdrawals (including Lot 13 pre-sale) and seven unsold, though this was fewer than at 

. While most of the withdrawn and unsold pieces were lower-valued, these works would have contributed an addition £4 million to the sale at the low estimate.

Despite these challenges, the auction achieved a 77% sell-through rate, with a refreshing selection of mostly fresh-to-market works–a balanced mix of emerging talent and established blue chip names.Slightly more than half of the lots either met or exceeded expectations, which was a positive outcome for the sale.

Auction Watch: Phillips October Sale Leads With Hockney and Hammers £12 Million 

After opting out of the June marquee sales, Christie’s kicked off the October sales series, which famously aligns with Frieze Week, with a highly anticipated auction. Led by head auctioneer Adrien Meyer, the 56-lot sale had estimated values of £73.4m - £110.7m and hammered at just over £69 million (hammer), ultimately delivering mixed, but solid results.

Compared to last year's figures of the same sale, Christie’s actually performed 89% higher with just three more lots sold–an impressive achievement. However, in 2023, Christie’s benefited from the Sam Josefowitz private collection, which contributed an additional £42.3 million, bringing last year’s evening sale total to £78.7 million, which is a 14% difference. Out of the 56-lot sale, 4 works were withdrawn and 8 went unsold, most from 20th century names, resulting in an 85% sell-through rate.

The shortfall can be attributed to the majority of lots selling within or below estimates, with 33% falling short and 32% meeting expectations. Despite this, most resales surpassed their previous values. With 23 auction house guarantees (12 with irrevocable bids), the sale still reflected confidence in the market and the preset values of the works, aligning with current market conditions.

Auction Watch: Christie's October Sale Sees Mixed Results, Half of Lots Sell at or Below Estimates

Sotheby’s Contemporary Evening sale followed just hours after 

, offering significantly fewer lots–less than half of its competitor’s total. With only 22 lots and presale estimates ranging from £34m - £47.5m, the sale achieved a hammer total of just over £31 million, resulting in a 81% sell-through rate.

Departing from its usual two-sale format, which typically includes The Now, Sotheby’s opted to present only its Contemporary Evening Auction this year. The sale saw a notable 21% increase in hammer total compared to last year’s equivalent auction. However, when combining 

The Now and Contemporary Evening auctions from 2023

, this year's sale reflects a 19% drop overall. Despite these contrasts, and excluding the four unsold lots, 49% of the works–11 lots–either met or exceeded expectations. Of the six house-guaranteed lots, two carried irrevocable bids.

Auction Watch: Sotheby’s October Evening Sale Delivers a 21% Yearly Increase with Hockney, Riley, and Banksy

Investing

This week in the print world, we saw exciting collaborations, legal developments, a new documentary shedding light on a major artist, and an education initiative designed to shape the next generation of art appreciators. Here’s your roundup of key happenings from 30th September to 6th October 2024:

 to release a limited-edition silkscreen print, with proceeds supporting the Contemporary Art Society. This collaboration is part of Avant Arte’s ongoing mission to make art collecting more accessible to younger audiences, and it promises to be one of the year’s most highly anticipated releases.

 and one of the UK’s most provocative contemporary artists, is known for his sharp social commentary and explorations of 

. Through his distinctive use of media - from ceramics to tapestries - Perry has continually pushed boundaries, using satire and humour to challenge societal norms. This new print, expected to reflect Perry’s signature themes, offers collectors not only the chance to own an exclusive piece but also to support a crucial cause: placing contemporary art into museum collections across the UK.

Grayson Perry x Avant Arte

Grayson Perry Collaborates with Avant Arte for a New Limited Edition Print

News

The Week in Prints: 30th September - 6th October 2024

The fascination with celebrity culture has long been a compelling subject for artists, serving as a lens through which societal values and obsessions are examined. In the realms of prints and photography, 

 and Russell Young stand out as pivotal figures who have dissected the allure and commodification of fame. Through innovative techniques and evocative imagery, they offer profound insights into the cult of celebrity, each from their unique perspectives and eras.

Warhol’s early life was marked by a deep connection to his Eastern European heritage and a prolonged battle with Sydenham chorea, an illness that confined him to bed for extended periods. During this time, Warhol developed a 

, often drawing them while listening to the radio. His mother, Julia, nurtured his artistic inclinations, setting the foundation for his future explorations into art and fame.

Warhol studied pictorial design at the Carnegie Institute of Technology and began his career in advertising, with his illustrations appearing in prestigious publications like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. His experience in the advertising world revealed the power of celebrity influence in selling products. Recognising the symbiotic 

relationship between media, consumerism, and celebrity

, Warhol carved out his niche by launching 

—a genre that blurred the lines between high art and popular culture.

Andy Warhol: Pioneering the Intersection of Art and Celebrity

From Andy Warhol's Pop Icons to Russell Young's Dreamland

The Cult of Celebrity in Prints and Photography

September signals the art market’s return to action, kicking off a busy season for online print sales. The month opened with the 

, and a surge of online print sales continuing throughout the month. In this market newsletter, we recap the highlights of the September online print sales.

The art market is in full swing this month as preparations for the autumn auctions in London coincide with Frieze London, before attention shifts to the highly anticipated sales in New York. Phillips launched the September auctions on a high note with their David Hockney and Editions sales. In a recent MyArtBroker Talks podcast, I spoke with Helena Poole about the success of Phillips David Hockney sale and the expert curatorial strategy. For an in-depth analysis of Phillips' Editions and David Hockney sales, refer to our comprehensive auction reports.

Market Watch: Market Editor Report September 2024

This week’s highlights in the world of prints and editions span the opening of monumental exhibitions, innovative collaborations, and a robust print sale at Christie’s. From 

’s immersive works in London to the convergence of art and fashion in Paris, these stories demonstrate the continued evolution of the art world, bringing fresh energy to historic traditions. Here’s your round-up for the week:

Victoria Miro opened Kusama’s latest solo exhibition, 

, this week, marking her fourteenth collaboration with the gallery. The show is highlighted by the debut of a new 

, which immerses viewers in a kaleidoscopic world of flashing LED lights and infinite reflections. At the heart of the installation is a mirrored sphere, capturing the essence of Kusama’s long-held fascination with 

In addition to the mirrored room, the exhibition showcases a dynamic array of Kusama’s latest paintings and sculptures, including the large-scale 

 and a series of intimate acrylic works titled 

, bring to life Kusama’s characteristic polka dots in vibrant fabric forms, while her new bronze works in the garden extend the themes of reflection and regeneration central to her practice.

The show, running until November, has already garnered significant attention, with tickets quickly booked out. Kusama’s new works are a testament to her continued exploration of life, death, and infinity, inviting visitors into her singular, sensory world.

Yayoi Kusama’s Every Day I Pray For Love Opens at Victoria Miro

The Week in Prints: 23rd - 29th September 2024

Phillips launched their second-half print sales with the live Evening & Day Editions auction in London from September 19th to 20th, featuring a wide range of works by blue chip artists. This report highlights key sales and standout performances from the auction.

The sale highlighted strong demand for Andy Warhol’s trial proofs, reflecting a market preference for iconic imagery and recognisable motifs across various artists. This suggests a strategic approach among collectors, indicating a stable appetite for high-profile works in the current market landscape. For a quick recap of this sale and other print market updates, listen to our 

, where we discuss the latest trends and news in the world of prints.

Auction Watch September 2024: Phillips Evening & Day Editions

Helena joins the MyArtBroker specialist team after six years at Sotheby's where she worked as a cataloguer and specialist in the Contemporary and Modern departments. 

Her expertise focuses on the most in-demand works from the blue chip masters of Contemporary prints, including David Hockney, Banksy, STIK and Damien Hirst.

Specialist

Helena Poole

-only sale in a live auction format on Thursday, September 19th, at its London headquarters.  Hockney maintains an extensive print portfolio, ranging from highly sought-after works to more experimental pieces, which offers a rich landscape for collectors. 

In this auction report, I had an in-depth conversation with Helena Poole, our Hockney sales specialist, to break down the recent sale's highs and lows, exploring key market trends and discussing which pieces stood out and which underperformed. For a comprehensive analysis, listen to our full discussion in the latest episode of 

Auction Watch: David Hockney Phillips Sale September 2024

This week’s art news brings a diverse array of stories from the art world, from the great 

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