Fingerspelling is a technique in sign language where gestures represent letters to spell out words. The use of flags as symbols in history is separate from fingerspelling, and the reference to artwork by Jasper Johns does not directly relate to fingerspelling but symbolizes the use of flags with different meanings.
The student's question appears to be relating to fingerspelling, which is a method of spelling words using hand gestures. In fingerspelling, each letter of the alphabet is represented by a distinct sign made with the fingers. This is a common technique used in sign languages such as American Sign Language (ASL) to spell out proper nouns, technical terms not having a sign equivalent, or words for which the sign is not known by the signer.
Regarding flags often used to represent fingerspelled words, the question seems to be misunderstood or unrelated to fingerspelling itself. However, if we consider flags as a symbol, the association is that during certain historical events, such as the 17th century and the French Revolution, a red flag was used to symbolize defiance or resistance, as well as the revolutionary spirit of the common people.
The information provided about Jasper Johns' artwork titled "Three Flags" and "The White Flag" reveals his stylistic use of encaustic and pigments to depict American flags in a non-traditional way, which also conveys symbolic meaning. These artworks do not directly relate to fingerspelling but to the concept of using symbols to convey messages.