Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Chris Ofili in 2007.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Chris Ofili (2007) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 2007 portfolio comprising eleven prints that combine etching with aquatint. The series was produced by British artist Chris Ofili, who received the Turner Prize in 1998. The works are part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, representing a notable entry in Ofili’s printmaking output.

Subject & Meaning

The images depict an exuberant arrangement of flowers and vines rendered against a light ground. Loose, flowing lines suggest a spontaneous gesture, while the varied stems and floating blossoms convey a sense of organic vitality. The composition balances decorative richness with an underlying abstraction that invites contemplation of natural growth.

Technique & Style

Ofili employed traditional intaglio methods, integrating etching’s linear precision with aquatint’s tonal washes. Thin and thick lines intersect, creating depth, while fine dots and swirling marks add texture without clutter. The combination of these print techniques yields a layered surface that mirrors the artist’s broader practice of mixing materials and visual references.

History & Provenance

The portfolio was assembled in 2007 and subsequently acquired by the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains in the permanent collection. Ofili’s relocation to Trinidad after his UK career situates the work within a period of geographic transition, though the prints themselves were completed prior to his move.

Context

Chris Ofili’s oeuvre is noted for incorporating unconventional substances such as resin, beads, and even elephant dung, linking his work to a punk‑inspired aesthetic that challenges conventional fine‑art materials. While Untitled is a print series rather than a mixed‑media painting, its bold visual language reflects the same experimental spirit that defines his broader practice.