Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Harold Barling Town. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1964, this canvas work combines oil and synthetic polymer paints to produce a composition of linear and circular forms.
About this work
Overview
White bands frame the upper and lower edges, while a central field of dark blue hosts rows of orange‑brown rings interspersed with occasional white circles.
Created in 1964, this canvas work combines oil and synthetic polymer paints to produce a composition of linear and circular forms. White bands frame the upper and lower edges, while a central field of dark blue hosts rows of orange‑brown rings interspersed with occasional white circles. The arrangement balances uniformity with subtle irregularities, giving the piece a measured yet slightly off‑kilter visual rhythm.
Subject & Meaning
The painting’s language is purely abstract, employing geometric motifs—straight lines, circles, and concentric rings—to explore spatial ordering and visual tension. The juxtaposition of precise framing against imperfectly centered rings suggests a dialogue between control and spontaneity, inviting viewers to consider the balance between structure and variation within a non‑representational field.
Technique & Style
Employing both traditional oil and modern synthetic polymer mediums, the artist builds layers that allow for flat color fields and modest texture. The use of synthetic polymer paint contributes to a smoother, more uniform surface, while the oil adds depth to the darker background. The overall style aligns with mid‑century abstract expressionism, emphasizing formal geometry over gestural brushwork.
History & Provenance
The work belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, reflecting its recognition within institutional holdings. Its creator, a Canadian painter active in the 1950s and 1960s, was a participant in the Toronto‑based Painters Eleven group, which championed abstract art across Canada during that period.
Context
Emerging from a milieu that blended illustration work with fine‑art practice, the artist’s disciplined approach is evident in the painting’s precise composition. The piece exemplifies the broader shift in Canadian art toward abstraction in the post‑war era, where artists sought new visual vocabularies that moved beyond figurative representation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Harold Barling Town, D.Litt (June 13, 1924 – December 27, 1990) was a Canadian artist who worked in many different media and modes, but is best known for his abstract paintings.
