Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Antonio Scordia. It dates from 1961 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Antonio Scordia’s 1961 lithograph, titled Untitled, presents a stark composition of black ink on white paper. The work consists of thick, erratic lines that suggest hurried scribbles, interspersed with occasional straight strokes. Abstract forms resembling fragments of letters or numbers appear without forming legible text, creating a visual field that balances chaos with a hint of order.
Subject & Meaning
The piece offers no explicit narrative; instead, it invites viewers to contemplate the tension between spontaneity and structure. The ambiguous glyph‑like shapes hint at language or code, while their incompleteness underscores the limits of representation, prompting reflection on the act of marking and the fleeting nature of visual expression.
Technique & Style
Executed in lithography, the work employs a traditional stone or metal plate to transfer dense, uneven ink onto smooth paper. Scordia’s handling of the medium yields bold, uneven strokes that retain the tactile quality of hand‑drawn marks, while the flat surface of the paper emphasizes the graphic contrast between ink and void.
History & Provenance
Created in 1961, the lithograph entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s print holdings. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s mid‑century interest in experimental printmaking and the broader recognition of Scordia’s contribution to contemporary graphic art.
Artist & collection
