Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Jasper Johns, encaustic, 2003
Untitled, by Jasper Johns, encaustic, 2003

Untitled is an encaustic painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Jasper Johns. It dates from 2003 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Jasper Johns's 2003 work, Untitled, is a mixed-media piece that combines encaustic paint on canvas and wood with embedded objects. It is a characteristic example of the artist's experimental approach.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features two large yellow panels, one bearing a small white sign with the letters 'KLMNOP' and the other left blank. The seemingly random letter sequence and grid of colored tiles at the bottom invite consideration of themes related to perception and representation.

Technique & Style

Johns employed encaustic on canvas and wood, incorporating objects into the work. This technique and the resulting textured surface reflect his association with various postwar art movements, including abstract expressionism and Neo-Dada.

Context

Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, situating it within the broader context of contemporary abstract art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jasper Johns

Artist

Jasper Johns

Jasper Johns (born May 15, 1930) is an American painter, sculptor, draftsman, and printmaker.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.