Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Jasper Johns. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1988 carborundum print by Jasper Johns, presents a quartet of disparate scenes within a divided composition: a lamp, a chair, a face, and a bowl of fruit. Characterized by bold, vibrant colors and thick, uneven lines, the work embodies Johns' eclectic style, bridging multiple artistic movements.
Subject & Meaning
The four distinct images—a lamp, chair, face, and bowl of fruit—suggest a exploration of everyday objects and the human form, potentially probing the relationship between the mundane and the personal. Their juxtaposition may imply a commentary on perception, memory, or the fragmented nature of experience.
Technique & Style
Executed using the carborundum print technique, the work features a gritty, textured surface reminiscent of sandpaper, which enhances the vividness of the bold colors (notably bright yellows and deep reds against dark backgrounds). The hand-drawn quality of the thick, uneven lines adds a tactile, expressive dimension.
History & Provenance
Created in 1988 by Jasper Johns, an artist associated with abstract expressionism, Neo-Dada, and pop art, this piece reflects his multidisciplinary approach (across painting, sculpture, drawing, and printmaking). Johns' biography includes brief studies at the University of South Carolina and Parsons School of Design, interrupted by Korean War military service.
Context
Emerging from Johns' later period, *Untitled* (1988) situates itself within the broader context of late 20th-century American art, where artists continually experimented with mediums and meanings. The carborundum technique, chosen for this work, was a relatively new method at the time, allowing for the expressive textures seen here.
Legacy
As part of Johns' oeuvre, *Untitled* contributes to the artist's legacy of challenging traditional representations and pushing the boundaries of printmaking. While its specific impact is less documented compared to some of Johns' other works, it reflects the innovative spirit characteristic of his career.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jasper Johns (born May 15, 1930) is an American painter, sculptor, draftsman, and printmaker.
