Yellow Flags on White (Albertina 792) is a typical Flowers print by Alex Katz. For over six decades, Alex Katz has drawn inspiration from all types of flowers, transforming wind-blown tiger lilies, marigolds, roses, and petunias into iconic works of Pop Art. This resulted in important works such as Blue Flags and Summer Flowers. By the 1950s, Katz was frustrated that his portraits lacked a sense of movement, so he began painting the wildflowers he discovered near his summer home in Maine. “When I painted the first groups of figures, The Cocktail Party and Lawn Party, I felt they weren’t moving enough,” he said of that moment of inspiration. “And that’s one of the reasons I did the big flower paintings.” Over time, Katz’s floral renderings became more vibrant and lively, often with stems growing in all directions, petals cascading through the air and leaves scattered across the composition. “You can’t look at one thing for a long time, the eye is moving everywhere and in constant motion,” he explained. At a remarkable 180 inches long, Katz’s Red Tulips (1967) is among the artist’s top auction records and sold for $690,600 at Sotheby’s in 2007.

Yellow flags hold significant meaning in contemporary art, serving as symbolic markers that provoke introspection and evoke nuanced emotions. Just as a yellow traffic signal urges caution, these flags operate as visual cues that prompt viewers to pause, reflect, and engage with the artwork on a deeper level.

In the realm of contemporary art, yellow flags often signify a moment of contemplation or hesitation. They act as signals that invite viewers to question the conventional, challenge societal norms, and explore the complexities of the human experience. Yellow, with its vibrant and attention-grabbing nature, demands attention and creates a sense of urgency in the artistic narrative.

The use of yellow flags in contemporary art also embodies themes of ambiguity and uncertainty. They symbolize the liminal space between certainties, blurring the boundaries between what is known and what is unknown. Artists leverage these yellow markers to explore the multifaceted nature of existence, inviting viewers to embrace ambiguity and embrace the inherent mysteries of life.

Furthermore, yellow flags can be seen as potent symbols of cautionary tales or critical commentary. They serve as indicators that encourage viewers to question dominant narratives, social structures, or political ideologies. By waving these metaphorical flags, artists invite us to examine the world around us and challenge our preconceived notions, prompting a reconsideration of the status quo.

Ultimately, yellow flags in contemporary art transcend their physical form and become metaphors for personal and collective journeys. They represent a call to action, urging viewers to embrace curiosity, navigate uncertainties, and engage in introspection. By evoking a sense of mindfulness and curiosity, yellow flags in contemporary art create a powerful space for reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we inhabit.

In spring 2023, the new Flowers “Purple Irises on Red”, “Purple Irises on White”, “Yellow Flags on White” and “Yellow Flags on Brown” have been published. Likewise, the new Albertina catalogue raisonné, 1947-2022, has also been published.

Alex Katz / Pioneer of Pop Art

Alex Katz is especially famous for his figurative paintings: The son of Russian Jewish immigrants, he was born in New York in 1927. As a pioneer of Pop Art, he always concentrated on the essentials and early on, he dealt with simplified forms and contrasting color compositions. His art is diverse, but always has beauty as its central theme. The artist can now look back on more than 200 solo and around 500 group exhibitions; his diverse works are part of over 100 collections worldwide. Alex Katz lives and works in New York and Maine.