Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by David Hammons, silver, 1992
Untitled, by David Hammons, silver, 1992

Untitled is a silver print by David Hammons. It dates from 1992 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

David Hammons’ 1992 gelatin‑silver print, titled Untitled, presents a quiet residential scene captured in black and white. The photograph is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, offering a glimpse into everyday American life through the artist’s lens.

Subject & Meaning

The image centers on a tree trunk supporting a bicycle wheel, set before a modest white house with a single window. The juxtaposition of the wheel against the natural form suggests an improvised use of the tree, hinting at themes of utility, abandonment, or playful intervention in ordinary spaces.

Technique & Style

Executed as a gelatin silver print, the work relies on the tonal range of black‑and‑white photography to emphasize texture and contrast. The crisp rendering of bark, metal, and the surrounding grass underscores Hammons’ attention to detail while maintaining a straightforward, documentary aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created in 1992, the photograph entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in documenting the artist’s engagement with commonplace objects and suburban environments.

Context

During the early 1990s, Hammons frequently incorporated everyday items into his practice, challenging conventional notions of art and value. This print aligns with that trajectory, using a simple, everyday scene to provoke reflection on the relationship between the built environment and discarded objects.

Artist & collection

Portrait of David Hammons

Artist

David Hammons

David Hammons is an American artist, best known for his works in and around New York City and Los Angeles during the 1970s and 1980s.

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