Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Gilbert Proesch, George Passmore Gilbert & George, 1979
Untitled, by Gilbert Proesch, George Passmore Gilbert & George, 1979

Untitled is a print by Gilbert Proesch, George Passmore Gilbert & George. It dates from 1979 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1979, this photogravure print is attributed to the collaborative duo Gilbert & George.

About this work

The title *First Blossom* is printed in bold letters at the bottom, along with the names *Gilbert and George* and the year *1979*.

This image shows a black-and-white print of bare tree branches crisscrossing against a dark sky. The branches are thick and tangled, with a few small buds just starting to appear. The edges of the print are sharp, and the contrast between light and dark is strong.

The title *First Blossom* is printed in bold letters at the bottom, along with the names *Gilbert and George* and the year *1979*. This suggests it’s part of a limited set of prints.

If you like this style, check out the technique *chiaroscuro*.

Overview

Created in 1979, this photogravure print is attributed to the collaborative duo Gilbert & George. The work is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and appears to belong to a limited edition, as indicated by the printed title, artists’ names, and date on the image itself.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a stark black‑and‑white composition of tangled, bare branches set against a deep, unlit sky. Small buds emerge on some limbs, suggesting the onset of growth amid an otherwise desolate landscape.

Technique & Style

Executed as a photogravure, the print showcases strong chiaroscuro, with sharply defined edges and a pronounced contrast between light and dark areas. The method allows fine tonal gradations while preserving the crispness of the branch silhouettes.

History & Provenance

The piece was produced in 1979 and entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its inclusion in MoMA reflects the institution’s interest in the duo’s exploration of photographic processes and urban themes during the late 1970s.

Context

Gilbert & George were known for treating photography as a medium for conceptual and socially engaged art. This work, with its minimalist natural subject, diverges from their typical urban portraiture, offering a contemplative pause within their broader oeuvre.

Artist & collection

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