Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Alison Knowles. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
The photos look old and washed out, like they’ve been handled a lot.
This print shows four faded photos stuck on a blue background. The top row has three ghostly figures in dark clothes. The bottom row is just a thin blue line. The photos look old and washed out, like they’ve been handled a lot.
The title says it’s a tribute to John Cage, a composer. The artist, Alison Knowles, made this in 1967. It’s not a painting—it’s a printed piece.
Want to learn more about how this was made? Check out lithography.
Overview
Untitled (1967) is an offset lithograph by Alison Knowles, associated with the Fluxus movement. This print combines photographic images with a simple graphic element on a blue background, paying tribute to composer John Cage.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the print is somewhat enigmatic, featuring faded, worn photographs of three indistinct figures above a lone thin blue line. The dedication to John Cage suggests a connection to the conceptual and experimental ethos of the composer, aligning with Fluxus principles of dematerialization and accessibility.
Technique & Style
Technically, the work utilizes offset lithography, reflecting Knowles' exploration of graphic media. The style is characterized by the juxtaposition of muted, ghostly photographs with a bold, yet minimal, blue field and line, embodying Fluxus's emphasis on simplicity and directness.
History & Provenance
Created in 1967, this lithograph is part of Knowles' multifaceted output within Fluxus, which spanned installations, performances, and publications. The specific provenance details are not provided here.
Context
Within the broader context of 1960s avant-garde, *Untitled* sits alongside other Fluxus works that challenged traditional notions of art production, emphasizing experimentation and interdisciplinarity, as well as the influence of John Cage's compositional philosophies on visual artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alison Knowles (April 29, 1933 – October 29, 2025) was an American visual artist known for her installations, performances, soundworks, and publications.
