john waters
Jasper Johns, an American artist, has been a pivotal figure in the art world, celebrated for his innovative contributions to painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Johns, born in 1930, has challenged and expanded the boundaries of contemporary art with his unique approach to visual expression, blending elements of Abstract Expressionism, Neo-Dada, and Pop Art. He is perhaps best known for his iconic depictions of everyday objects and symbols, such as flags, maps, numbers, and targets, which he transforms into complex, layered works that invite contemplation on themes of identity, perception, and memory.
Johns' art is distinguished by its masterful use of texture, symbolism, and an exploration of the materiality of the medium. His technique of incorporating textural elements and found objects into his canvases blurs the lines between painting and sculpture, challenging traditional distinctions in art. For instance, his piece "Flag" (1954-55) reimagines the American flag with a surface rich in encaustic paint and newspaper clippings, creating a work that is both a familiar symbol and a deeply personal expression. Similarly, "Painted Bronze" (Ale Cans) (1960) playfully interrogates the nature of representation and the art object by presenting a lifelike bronze sculpture of beer cans, furthering the dialogue on art's relationship with the everyday.
Johns' work is held in high esteem and can be found in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London. His influence extends beyond his own oeuvre, impacting the development of several art movements, including Pop Art and Conceptual Art. Johns' exploration of language and semiotics, particularly in works like "According to What" (1964), prefigured the Conceptual Art movement's interest in the role of language and ideas in art.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Jasper Johns' work represents a critical junction in the evolution of post-war American art, offering rich insights into the interplay between cultural symbols and artistic innovation. His enduring relevance and the intellectual depth of his work continue to inspire and challenge audiences, making him a central figure in discussions of contemporary art.
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John Lawrence is a British illustrator and wood engraver.
He is a master of the Art Workers Guild and lives in Cambridge. John Lawrence has illustrated more than 200 books, both for adults and children, from Shakespeare to Alan Alberg.
John Thirtle was an English watercolour artist and frame-maker. Born in Norwich, where he lived for most of his life, he was a leading member of the Norwich School of painters.
John Dalton was a British scientist, chemist and physicist, naturalist, and pioneer in the development of modern atomic theory.
In the 1800s, he was the first scientist to explain the behavior of atoms in terms of weight measurements. Some of the tenets of Dalton's atomic theory proved to be false, but most of the conclusions remain valid to this day.
Problems with his own eyesight led Dalton to research and describe the visual defect he himself suffered from in 1794 - color blindness, later named color blindness in his honor.
Sir John Frederick William Herschel, 1st Baronet was a British astronomer and son of the Uranus discoverer Wilhelm Herschel. He is credited with the first double star and nebula catalogues of the southern starry sky, which he observed during a five-year stay near Cape Town.
Lawrence Alma-Tadema was a Dutch-British artist renowned for his detailed and romanticized portrayals of ancient civilizations, particularly Rome and Egypt. His meticulous attention to historical accuracy and the lavish representation of marble and luxurious settings distinguished his work. Notably, his fascination with ancient cultures was sparked by his honeymoon visit to Italy and Pompeii, influencing his artistic focus for decades.
Lawrence Alma-Tadema's early work, such as "The Education of the Children of Clovis," showcased his interest in historical subjects and established his reputation. This painting, alongside others like "The Sad Father," demonstrates his commitment to historical detail and narrative depth.
After moving to England due to the Franco-Prussian War and personal reasons, Lawrence Alma-Tadema's career flourished. His works, characterized by their bright palette and refined details, resonated with Victorian audiences, earning him considerable fame and financial success. He was knighted in 1899 and continued to be a pivotal figure in Victorian art, influencing peers and future generations alike.
Lawrence Alma-Tadema's legacy experienced a decline posthumously but saw a resurgence in the 1970s. Today, he is celebrated for his contributions to the Neoclassical and Victorian art movements, with his works featured in prominent collections worldwide, including the Getty Museum and the Tate Gallery.
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Gemma Frisius, born Jemme Reinerszoon Frisius, was a Dutch mathematician, physician, cartographer, philosopher, engraver, and master of astronomical instruments.
He taught mathematics and medicine at the University of Leuven and applied his mathematical knowledge to astronomy, geography, and map-making. Frisius participated in the creation of the latest globes and used mathematics in geodesy and navigation in new ways and invented or improved many instruments, including the cross staff, the astrolabe, and the astronomical rings (also known as "Gemma rings"). He ran a workshop for making such instruments.
Frisius is credited with being one of the founders of the Dutch school of cartography.