Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a drawing by André Thomkins. It dates from 1965 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1965, this untitled work by André Thomkins employs lackskin enamel applied to paper, resulting in a vivid, tactile surface.
Created in 1965, this untitled work by André Thomkins employs lackskin enamel applied to paper, resulting in a vivid, tactile surface. The composition is dominated by bold reds, blues, and whites, rendered in thick, uneven strokes that appear both wet and glossy. The material’s sheen gives the piece a distinctive, almost wax‑like quality, while the layered application produces a dynamic interplay of smooth and rough textures.
Subject & Meaning
Thomkins’ oeuvre is known for its ironic, fantastical imagery rooted in surrealist and Dadaist traditions, though this particular piece remains non‑representational. The chaotic intermingling of color and form invites viewers to contemplate the tension between controlled composition and spontaneous gesture, reflecting the artist’s interest in subverting conventional visual expectations.
Technique & Style
The work utilizes lackskin enamel, a medium that dries to a hard, glossy finish, allowing for both fluid drips and solid, layered deposits. Thomkins applied the enamel in rapid, forceful gestures, creating a surface that oscillates between glossy sheen and textured relief, a method that aligns with his broader practice of blending painterly spontaneity with material experimentation.
History & Provenance
André Thomkins, a Swiss painter, illustrator, and poet, relocated to Germany in 1952 and later taught at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf from 1971 to 1973. Throughout his career he engaged with avant‑garde circles, collaborating with artists such as Dieter Roth and Daniel Spoerri on Eat Art projects. This untitled enamel drawing is presently held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Context
The mid‑1960s marked a period of heightened experimentation in post‑war European art, with artists exploring unconventional materials and interdisciplinary collaborations. Thomkins’ use of enamel—a medium more common in industrial applications—mirrored contemporary interests in blurring the boundaries between fine art and everyday objects, situating the work within broader movements that challenged traditional artistic hierarchies.
Artist & collection
Artist
André Thomkins (Lucerne, 11 August 1930 - Berlin, 8 November 1985) was a Swiss painter, illustrator, and poet.
