Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by David Diao, ink, 1987
Untitled, by David Diao, ink, 1987

Untitled is an ink print by David Diao. It dates from 1987 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1987 print by David Diao, combines etching, drypoint, and aquatint techniques to create a nuanced composition of irregular black squares on a white background, varying in opacity and texture.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is an exploration of mark-making and texture, with the grid serving as a framework to examine the expressive potential of different printmaking methods rather than representing a specific theme or object.

Technique & Style

Diao layered three techniques: etching for precise lines, drypoint for fuzzy edges, and aquatint for soft grays, resulting in a contemplative study of how varied marks interact within a structured grid format.

History & Provenance

Created in 1987, the work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting the institution's interest in contemporary printmaking innovations.

Artist & collection

Portrait of David Diao

Artist

David Diao

David Diao is a Chinese American artist and teacher based in New York City.

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