Jasper Johns is an American artist who is best known for his work in the mid-20th century. He is considered to be one of the most important artists of the period and is associated with abstract expressionism, pop art, and neo-Dada. Johns' works often feature familiar objects such as flags, maps, targets, and numbers. He is also known for his use of encaustic painting, which involves melting wax and pigment to create a textured surface. Johns has been awarded numerous honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.