Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Iyola Kingwatsiak. It dates from 1959 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1959, this untitled stone-cut print is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. The composition features a pair of owls positioned opposite one another, rendered in stark black silhouettes with white facial areas and speckled wing surfaces. Beneath the birds a modest brown circle suggests a footprint or an egg, adding a subtle grounding element to the scene.
Subject & Meaning
The two owls, rendered in simplified forms, appear to be engaged in a quiet exchange, their gazes directed toward each other. The minimalistic treatment emphasizes a sense of stillness and mutual observation, inviting contemplation of the birds’ natural behavior and the broader themes of communication and balance within the natural world.
Technique & Style
The work employs a stone-cut printmaking process, wherein the artist incised the design into a stone matrix and transferred ink onto paper through pressure. This method yields bold, graphic lines and a flat tonal quality, characteristic of mid‑century printmaking that favors strong contrasts and reduced detail to convey form.
History & Provenance
Iyola Kingwatsiak (ᐄᐅᓚ ᑭᒍᐊᓯᐊ) produced the piece in 1959, and it later entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it remains on display. The acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in representing diverse printmaking traditions and the artist’s contribution to contemporary graphic art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Iyola Kingwatsiak (1933–2000) was an Inuit and Canadian artist, born in Kinngait.
