Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Antoni Tàpies. It dates from 1981 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1981, this untitled work by Antoni Tàpies is a carborundum print held by the Museum of Modern Art. The composition features two large, roughly rendered wooden chairs positioned opposite one another, set against a sparse white field punctuated by fine, crack‑like lines. The overall effect balances stark emptiness with a tactile, fragmented surface.
Subject & Meaning
The juxtaposition of the two chair forms suggests a dialogue or confrontation, while the surrounding void invites contemplation of absence and presence. The subtle, scribbled marks that populate the background evoke the passage of time or the fragility of material, reinforcing Tàpies’s interest in symbolic, often cryptic references to everyday objects.
Technique & Style
Tàpies employed carborundum, a gritty abrasive, to build a heavily textured surface that resists smoothness. The material is applied with broad, uneven strokes, producing jagged lines that appear scratched into the paper. This approach aligns with his broader practice of material experimentation, where the physicality of the medium becomes integral to the visual language.
History & Provenance
The piece entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, reflecting the institution’s commitment to mid‑late‑20th‑century abstract practices. Its acquisition underscores Tàpies’s standing as a pivotal figure in Catalan and international abstract art, particularly for his innovative use of unconventional substances in printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Antoni Tàpies i Puig, 1st Marquess of Tàpies (Catalan: ; 13 December 1923 – 6 February 2012) was a Catalan painter, sculptor, and art theorist.
