Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by George Ortman. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1964, this untitled work is a screenprint that incorporates a die‑cut element and belongs to a limited series of ten prints.
Created in 1964, this untitled work is a screenprint that incorporates a die‑cut element and belongs to a limited series of ten prints. The composition is dominated by a large, vivid yellow circle at its center, surrounded by smaller circles and plus signs rendered in varying shades of yellow against a mottled yellow‑white ground. The arrangement draws the eye outward while maintaining a balanced, geometric rhythm.
Subject & Meaning
The image employs elementary geometric forms—circles and crosses—to explore the capacity of simple shapes to function as symbols. By arranging these elements in a hierarchical pattern, the work suggests a visual language in which color and form act as signs, inviting viewers to consider how basic geometry can convey meaning beyond literal representation.
Technique & Style
Executed as a screenprint, the piece utilizes a die‑cut process that removes portions of the printed surface, creating negative space within the composition. The layered application of yellow pigments produces subtle texture on the background, while the crisp edges of the cut shapes emphasize precision. The overall aesthetic aligns with Ortman’s interest in geometric abstraction, intersecting concerns of Neo‑Dada, Pop Art, and Minimalism.
History & Provenance
The print was produced as part of a ten‑piece portfolio issued by the artist in the mid‑1960s, a period when George Ortman was actively engaging with multiple contemporary movements. It has since circulated through private collections and institutional holdings, reflecting the artist’s broader practice of integrating painting, printmaking, and sculpture within a unified visual inquiry.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Earl Ortman (October 17, 1926 – December 16, 2015) was an American painter, printmaker, constructionist and sculptor.
