Jasper Johns Awarded Presidential Medal of Honor

October 31, 2022

Jasper Johns received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on February 15, 2010. The famous artist was among 14 individuals who President Obama said “reveal the best of who we are and who we aspire to be.” Other recipients included former President George H.W. Bush, Yo-Yo Ma, and Maya Angelou.

From the remarks:

“It has been noted that Jasper Johns’ work, playing off familiar images, have transfixed people around the world.  Historians will tell you that he helped usher in the artistic movements that would define the latter half of the 20th century.  Many would say he is one of the greatest artists of our time.  And yet, of his own efforts he has simply said, “I’m just trying to find a way to make pictures.”  Just trying to find a way to make pictures.

Like great artists before him, Jasper Johns pushed the boundaries of what art could be and challenged others to test their own assumptions.  He didn’t do it for fame, he didn’t do it for success — although he earned both.  As he said, “I assumed that everything would lead to complete failure, but I decided that it didn’t matter — that would be my life.”

For a complete list and more information visit White House Archives.