Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist David Reed. It dates from 1972 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, an abstract work executed in oil on canvas in 1972, belongs to the oeuvre of American painter David Reed. The piece is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed among other mid‑century abstract paintings. Its title reflects the artist’s practice of allowing the visual field to speak without a prescribed narrative.
Technique & Style
The canvas is dominated by vigorous, loosely applied brushstrokes that generate a chaotic field of blues, yellows, and earth tones. Color areas intersect in irregular stripes and blobs, while certain sections appear scraped, yielding a viscous, uneven surface. Dark shadows sit beside luminous patches, creating a sense of visual tension rather than harmonious blending.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the painting has remained in the United States, entering the Museum of Modern Art’s collection through acquisition in the late twentieth century. Its presence in MoMA situates it within a public context that highlights the development of abstract oil painting during the post‑war period.
Artist & collection
