Artist of Freedom?

As seen in this article, Jasper Johns has been awarded the Medal of Freedom. He is one of the important 14 Americans to receive it this year, and is recognized for his patriotism, however, I am awfully baffled by him being listed with former president George H. W. Bush and John Lewis.

I'm not much of a Pop Art type of person, but I feel that I understand the general ideas behind it and understand its necessary role in the history of art. Yet Jasper Johns, being known as a Pop Art pioneer, has won this national, President-given award. I honor and respect the time Johns spent in the Army. I know that he has a background regarding Uncle Sam particularly during the Cold War. However, There are thousands of other citizens who experienced the same things, some even with Johns. His symbolic works with the American flag certainly stand for his patriotism, but I honestly don't see exactly how this is worthy of a freedom award. His art is a commentary on America, but what does it say? To me, it truly is patriotism, but this isn't a patriotism award, is it? If it is, I know an awful lot of people who do literally bleed red, white and blue that could put up a fight against Johns for the honor. Perhaps I am missing something. I'm incredibly happy that a painter has been awarded this medal alongside other artists such as Maya Angelou and Yo-Yo Ma, but I just don't see it.

In an interview with G. R. Swenson, Johns says that while the artist has an intention with his work, it is up to the viewer to find a meaning in it. Even if the viewer's interpretation is different than the artist's intention, it will still stand true. Johns gives the viewer the power of interpretation. I, as the viewer, do not see an activist or a pure sense of patriotism from the art of Johns, and these are the things I could validate this award with. I do consider the American flag as a symbol of freedom. I am proud to be American and am grateful for the rights I have in this country. However, I do not understand this choice in honor.

I ma y have gotten carried away and have implied that I am anti-Jasper Johns, but that is not true. He truly is an American artist and I respect his style, technique, and his legacy, yet grouping him with a former president? I just don't see exactly how he got here.

Then again, I suppose a Polish "All-American" baseball star, Stan Musial, has also received this Medal of Freedom. In this case, every American deserves this award.

Jasper Johns, Three Flags 1958