Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil drawing by James Nares. It dates from 2004 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2004, this oil-on-paper work by Jamie Nares presents a single, expansive field of deep blue‑black pigment applied across a white sheet. The surface is dominated by thick, gestural strokes that merge into splatters and sharp edges, producing a visual tension between smooth planes and chaotic texture. The piece is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection.
Subject & Meaning
Absent of figurative reference, the work invites contemplation of materiality and motion. The swirling, smoke‑like gestures suggest fluid dynamics or vapor, while the dense coloration emphasizes the physical presence of paint, prompting viewers to consider the interplay between surface and depth without narrative distraction.
Technique & Style
Nares employs oil paint directly on paper, allowing the medium’s viscosity to build a pronounced impasto surface. The application is vigorous: broad, heavy brushstrokes coexist with erratic splatters, creating a textured field that appears both two‑dimensional and tactilely three‑dimensional. The monochromatic palette heightens the emphasis on gesture and material.
History & Provenance
British‑born Nares has lived and worked in New York since 1974. The painting entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in contemporary practices that bridge painting and performance histories.
Context
Nares emerged from the late‑1970s and early‑1980s no‑wave music and art scene, performing as a guitarist with groups such as James Chance and the Contortions. This background in avant‑garde performance informs the work’s kinetic energy and its focus on raw, unmediated expression within a minimalist visual framework.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jamie Nares (formerly James Nares; born 1953 in London, England) is a British transgender woman artist living and working in New York City since 1974.
