Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Isa Genzken. It dates from 1992 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1992, this untitled work by Isa Genzken is an abstract composition executed with alkyl‑resin spray paint on canvas. It belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed among the institution’s post‑1980s acquisitions.
Subject & Meaning
The surface is dominated by a repetitive motif of circular, doughnut‑shaped forms that appear to spin outward. Set against a muted backdrop of dark gray and reddish tones, the white loops are accented with subtle black and gray shadows, suggesting a tension between order and irregularity.
Technique & Style
Genzken employed a fast‑drying alkyd resin medium, applying it with a spray gun that yields a gritty, industrial texture. The resulting marks are rough and uneven, with some spirals tighter than others, creating a sense of deliberate imbalance within the overall pattern.
History & Provenance
Since its completion, the painting has remained in the public domain, entering the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through a direct acquisition in the early 1990s. It has not been exhibited in any major traveling retrospectives, but is regularly included in MoMA’s contemporary art displays.
Artist & collection
Artist
Isa Genzken is a German artist who lives and works in Berlin. Her primary media are sculpture and installation, using a wide variety of materials, including concrete, plaster, wood and textile. She also works with…
