Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Hideo Yoshihara. It dates from 1969 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1969, this untitled work by Hideo Yoshihara is a print that combines lithographic and etching processes. It is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed as an example of the artist’s experimental approach to graphic media.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a pair of black shoes with white socks, a hand grasping the shoe tops, and a vivid red sock partially visible. The stark contrast between the everyday objects and the bold, flat background invites contemplation of ordinary items rendered in a heightened visual language.
Technique & Style
Yoshihara employed both lithography and etching, allowing for crisp lines and flat areas of saturated color. The background is divided into geometric planes of green, blue and white, while the figures are rendered with precise, high‑contrast outlines, creating a dynamic interplay between flatness and detail.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in the late 1960s, a period when Japanese artists were increasingly exploring hybrid print methods. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in post‑war avant‑garde printmaking.
Context
During the 1960s, Yoshihara was associated with the Gutai group, known for its emphasis on material experimentation and performance. This work’s combination of everyday objects and vivid abstraction aligns with Gutai’s pursuit of breaking conventional artistic boundaries.
Artist & collection
