Making Peace With Contemporary Art: A Conversation With The Jasper Johns Painting, Flag

ME
Hey.

JASPER JOHNS' FLAG
Hello.

ME
So what's the deal, you're an American flag?

JASPER JOHNS' FLAG
Yes.

ME
But not the abstract representation of something in the form of a flag?

JASPER JOHNS' FLAG
No. I'm made of paint, newspaper and plywood.

ME
Ah, so the newspaper must be articles about war or corruption, something important.

JASPER JOHNS' FLAG
No, it's mostly classified ads and the Living section.

ME
And the plywood?

JASPER JOHNS' FLAG
It was free.

ME
I'm really struggling with this.

JASPER JOHNS' FLAG
I sold for twenty million dollars in 1998.

ME
That seems unnecessary.

JASPER JOHNS' FLAG
I'm inclined to agree, actually.

ME
Well ok then.