Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Bob Danner. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
The piece consists of six closely aligned portraits of a bearded, long‑haired figure, each rendered with subtle variations in hue.
Bob Danner’s 1973 untitled work is a composite print that combines screenprinting and lithography. The piece consists of six closely aligned portraits of a bearded, long‑haired figure, each rendered with subtle variations in hue. The background is uniformly muted, directing attention to the sitter’s face, sunglasses, and a vivid headband, while the shirts shift through a spectrum of bright colors.
Subject & Meaning
The repeated image presents a single individual in multiple guises, suggesting themes of identity and variation. The sunglasses and headband introduce a contemporary, perhaps playful, persona, while the consistent beard and hair anchor the figure’s recognizability across the series. The slight color changes invite viewers to consider how minor alterations affect perception of a constant subject.
Technique & Style
Danner employed both screenprint and lithographic processes, allowing for precise line work alongside layered color fields. The screenprinted elements provide sharp outlines for the facial features, while the lithographic layers contribute nuanced tonal shifts. The resulting visual rhythm emerges from the incremental color adjustments that differentiate each of the six panels.
History & Provenance
Created in 1973, the untitled print entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in mid‑century American printmaking and the experimental blending of techniques characteristic of Danner’s practice.
Artist & collection
