Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Jasper Johns. It dates from 2014 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Jasper Johns’ 2014 print titled Untitled combines aquatint with the chine‑collé method. Executed as a monochrome work, it is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection and exemplifies the artist’s ongoing engagement with printmaking alongside his painting and sculpture practice.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a fragmented, shadowy tableau rendered in black and white. A loosely drawn hand clutching a flower occupies the left side, while a dominant black form—reminiscent of a mask or void—covers the centre. To the right, a cluster of figures emerges from a dim interior, their outlines rendered in jagged, gestural lines, suggesting an interplay of presence and absence.
Technique & Style
Johns employs aquatint to achieve a range of tonal washes, while the chine‑collé process attaches a thin, textured paper layer to the primary support, creating a palpable surface irregularity. The combination yields a layered effect, with visible scratches and scraped areas that accentuate the work’s sketch‑like quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 2014, the print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its completion, reflecting the institution’s long‑standing acquisition of Johns’ works. Its inclusion underscores the museum’s commitment to documenting the artist’s contributions to postwar American art.
Context
Johns’ practice bridges several mid‑century movements, including abstract expressionism, Neo‑Dada, and pop art. Untitled continues his investigation of familiar symbols rendered in ambiguous, abstracted forms, a hallmark of his approach to questioning visual perception and cultural iconography.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jasper Johns (born May 15, 1930) is an American painter, sculptor, draftsman, and printmaker.
