Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Ben Vautier, wood, 1985
Untitled, by Ben Vautier, wood, 1985

Untitled is a wood painting by Ben Vautier. It dates from 1985 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a painting by French artist Ben Vautier, created circa 1985 using synthetic polymer paint on wood. It is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features three lines of handwritten white text on a dark background, reading 'But the blind can't see the show.' The text's rough, uneven application and the weathered wood surface contribute to its raw, unpolished appearance.

Technique & Style

The text is applied thickly, with visible brushstrokes, giving it a textured quality. The use of synthetic polymer paint on wood and the emphasis on handwritten text reflect Ben Vautier's exploration of language and everyday materials, characteristic of his work in Fluxus and Nouveau Réalisme.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ben Vautier

Artist

Ben Vautier

Benjamin Vautier (French pronunciation: ; 18 July 1935 – 5 June 2024), also known mononymously as Ben, was a French visual artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.