Not Mine But Taken features Jasper Johns’ minimalist approach by exploring his most iconic symbols in their most simple state. From flags and numbers to his notorious targets and Savarin cans, each work on paper is a skilled representation of refinement, which Johns uses to command viewers’ attention.

Johns’ notable quote, “take an object. Do something to it. Do something else to it,” describes his technique of transforming and reworking the familiar. These themes are celebrated throughout this exhibition.

Not Mine But Taken debuts works not previously shown in the Powers Art Center, allowing visitors to journey through the truly unexplored. Video stations enhance the overall experience with excerpts from John Powers lecturing on Johns’ concepts, and Johns himself in a short documentary about the creation of his Usuyuki series.

While Jasper Johns works are in permanent collections of museums around he world, all works on display are from a singular collection of John and Kimiko Powers. The Ryobi Foundation now stewards said collection.