Jasper Johns' No Regrets @ MoMA

The Jasper John's No Regrets exhibit is soon to close at MoMA.  The 2 galleries contain 2 paintings, 2 watercolors, numerous prints & drawings based on a photograph taken of Lucien Freud.  In the photo, Freud is sitting on a bed, head in hand, indicating a feeling of remorse.  The overall mood is of despair but not without wit & pleasurable appeal.  No regrets references John's rubber stamp used to RSVP his regrets to the multitudes of invitations received.  The 2 oil paintings in the exhibit were the most  compelling. They are somewhat abstract, resembling a brain scan or rorshach image.  The image of Freud & the bed can be detected.  The vivid red, yellow & blue primary colors & black outlines provides a sharp contrast to the grey blurred tones & gloominess.  The 2 watercolors in the show are also quite stunning.  There persists a lightness to the oppressive images.  The majority of works are varying prints used for studies & experimentation in his work.  Johns maintains it is the process that is more significant than the work.  His philosophy was "To take an object, do something to it and then do something else to that."  A woman in the gallery kept harping "why is he doing the same thing over & over."  Hey lady, you missed the point completely.  Everything was unique.  Regrets often stem from not doing things differently.  See this intriguing show before it leaves or you'll regret it.