In my early work, I tried to hide my personality, my psychological state, my emotions. This was partly due to my feelings about myself and partly due to my feelings about painting at the time. I sort of stuck to my guns for a while but eventually it seemed like a losing battle. Finally one must simply drop the reserve.
Jasper Johns (1987). “Jasper Johns: The Seasons ; [exhibition] January 31-March 7, 1987, Leo Castelli Gallery”