Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Christian Marclay. It dates from 1 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1981, this black‑and‑white lithograph by Christian Marclay is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work is an offset printed image that appropriates a newspaper spread, foregrounding a large, torn‑looking circular form that resembles a vinyl record or target.
Subject & Meaning
The central circle dominates the left page, its rough, cut edges suggesting a physical removal from the printed page. Contrasting with the German text on the right, which references a United Nations mandate, the image foregrounds the tension between mass‑media reportage and the visual language of music media.
Technique & Style
Marclay employed lithography combined with offset printing, a process that transfers a drawn image onto a stone or metal plate before reproducing it on paper. The stark monochrome palette and collage‑like assembly of newspaper fragments reflect his broader practice of merging found visual material with concepts drawn from sound culture.
History & Provenance
The piece entered MoMA’s holdings shortly after its creation, aligning with the museum’s expanding interest in interdisciplinary art that bridges visual and auditory domains. Its acquisition underscores the institution’s recognition of Marclay’s role in the early 1980s experimental art scene.
Context
Marclay’s work during this period frequently explored the overlap of audio technology and visual representation, using objects such as vinyl records, turntables, and printed media. This lithograph exemplifies that investigative approach, situating a musical symbol within the context of printed news.
Artist & collection
Artist
Christian Marclay (born January 11, 1955) is a visual artist and composer. He holds both American and Swiss nationality. Marclay's work explores connections between sound art, noise music, photography, video art, film…
