Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Barry Le Va. It dates from 1990 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1990, this untitled screenprint by Barry Le Va presents a stark black‑and‑white composition of intersecting geometric forms. Outlined shapes—some solid, others hollow—are set against a white field marked by subtle scratches that lend a tactile quality. The arrangement of lines and negative space generates a layered visual field that invites close inspection.
Subject & Meaning
The work operates within Le Va’s abstract vocabulary, employing simple geometric elements to explore spatial relationships and the tension between presence and absence. By allowing empty areas to converse with filled forms, the piece suggests a dialogue between materiality and void, a recurring concern in his broader practice of process‑oriented art.
Technique & Style
Executed as a screenprint, the image relies on precise stencil work to achieve crisp outlines and uniform fills. The visible surface marks, likely resulting from the screen‑printing process, add an accidental texture that contrasts with the otherwise controlled geometry, reflecting Le Va’s interest in the interplay of systematic execution and chance.
History & Provenance
Le Va, an American artist trained in California before establishing his career in New York, emerged as a key figure in the post‑studio and process art movements of the late 1960s. This 1990 print aligns with his ongoing investigation of abstract forms across media, and examples of his work are held in major museum collections worldwide.
Artist & collection
Artist
Barry Edward Le Va (December 28, 1941 – January 24, 2021) was an American sculptor and installation artist.
