Inspired by a dream, Johns painted his first painting of the American flag in 1954. This work became the first of a series that elevated commonplace objects to the status of art. In selecting a subject, Johns sought objects that "are seen and not looked at, not examined." Using the ancient technique of encaustic, blending pigment with a binder of hot wax, the artist is able to achieve the highly textural surfaces that characterize his work.

His friendship with fellow artist Robert Rauschenberg proved influential, particularly during the early stages of Johns career. With Rauschenberg, Johns is frequently identified with Pop Art and Minimalism. He has outlived both of those movements and his current work defies categorization and is often self-referential in nature. In 1996 The Museum of Modern Art, New York, premiered a comprehensive retrospective of the artists work in both painting and print.