Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Charles Henri Ford, ink, 1964
Untitled, by Charles Henri Ford, ink, 1964

Untitled is an ink print by Charles Henri Ford. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1964 offset lithograph by Charles Henri Ford, is one of twelve prints from a series of sixteen. Characterized by its vibrant, disjointed composition, the work features bold colors, clashing shapes, and fragmented text elements.

Subject & Meaning

At the center of the print, a coffee cup is juxtaposed with scattered words such as 'insight' and 'the sink', creating a sense of semantic dissonance. The overall arrangement resists clear interpretation, presenting a visually chaotic and puzzle-like scene.

Technique & Style

The print exemplifies the expressive potential of offset lithography, where ink is transferred from a flat surface to paper. This technique contributes to the work's layered, spontaneous appearance, akin to an unrestrained doodle.

History & Provenance

Untitled is part of the collection at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), though specific details about its acquisition or exhibition history within the series are not provided here.

Context

Created in 1964, the work reflects the experimental spirit of mid-20th-century printmaking, where artists explored new techniques to achieve innovative visual effects.

Legacy

While specific influences or subsequent artistic responses to this work are not detailed, its unconventional composition and use of offset lithography place it within the broader context of avant-garde print practices of its time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Charles Henri Ford

Artist

Charles Henri Ford

Charles Henri Ford was an American poet, novelist, diarist, filmmaker, photographer, and collage 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.