The use of art to reveal sexual identity - Essay Example

The use of art to reveal sexual identity Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns are two artists who have used their artworks to both closet and reveal their relationship and sexual identities. The two artists were lovers who believed in gay relationships. The two artists are Abstract Expressionists who use art to voice their identity. Abstract Expressionism artists appear to stand in for speech and communicate self-presence. Many of the messages of these artists were densely coded, camouflaged and elusive.

Jasper Johns "painting with two balls" is a provocative gesture on the part of the artist that is aimed at certain Abstract Expressionists. The gay component in the art is constituted using objects and words that have deep powerful "feelings" (Silver 183). Johns has always endeavored to ensure that he does not mix his work and feelings. Robert Rauschenbergs Factum I and Factum II (1957) are two paintings that offer nearly identical renderings of post-abstract Expressionist "authenticity" (Silver 181).

There has been a presumption that radical developments in the art need to show increments in the radical content. The critical focus of Rauschenbergs two paintings is devoted to revealing gayness. The two paintings that are almost similar represent two different people, who, in this case, maybe Rauschenberg himself, and the other one Johns. Johns works were also influenced by the works of two gay artists; OHara and Crane (Silver 183). By using the style and formats used by these two artists, it reveals his sexual inclination although in an indirect way.

There are many similarities between "In memory of my feelings-Frank OHara" and "Paintings with two balls." The signature, the full title, and the date are stenciled along the bottom. The artist freights his work with signs of concealment. The inclusion of the name of Frank OHara in his art is clear sign that Johns adore the artist. OHara was one of the artists that were known to be openly gay. Andy Warhol is seen as the father of the Pop Art movement that rose in popularity towards the end of 1950s and early 1960s.

Warhol pieces of art appear to be in agreement with the works of both Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns. Rauschenberg and Johns were also the idols of Warhol, who learnt a lot from them; Warhol even made silkscreen homage for Rauschenberg. "Let us now praise famous men" was written to express admiration for the artist (Silver 193). "Thirteen most wanted men" by Warhol was a clever reference to the FBIs wish of arresting criminals and also the artists desire for fellow men. Warhol managed to use that piece of art to demonstrate his support for homosexuality inclination as supported by Rauschenberg and Johns.

Andy Warhol was one of the highest paid commercial artists of his time. Despite being a commercial artist, he also produced his own work. Warhol does not appear to hide his sexual identity from his authorship. He reveals his sexual identity by supporting the works of well know gay artists. Showing support to gay artists in his authorship is a clear indication that he does not fear to reveal his identity. Works Cited Silver, Kenneth. Modes of Disclosure: The Construction of Gay Identity and the Rise of Pop Art. Online