The painting, ‘False Start’, oil on canvas, (67 ¼ inches x 54 inches) was painted by the contemporary American artist Jasper John (born May 15, 1930) in 1959. The artist is acknowledged for his work in the field of printmaking and painting, and most of his artworks are described with the term ‘Neo-Dadaist’.

‘False Start’ is an extremely vivid artwork in which the artist used several tones of colours and the canvas is considered as a perfect example of classical iconography. According to art critics, the painting is an explosive image and seems to be blowing itself apart in a pyrotechnic display as brushstrokes are huge, colours are riotous and composition is not predetermined by a recognisable image. It lacks the serene and imposing repose of his earlier canvases. The artwork was sold for $80 million in 2006, making it the most expensive painting to be sold by a living artist.— M.I.

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, April 26th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.