Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Jess in 1977.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Artwork

Untitled

Jess , 1977

Untitled is a paint drawing by Jess. It dates from 1977 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1977 drawing by Jess, is a densely layered collage of cut-and-pasted printed paper on board, mounted with a colored mat. Characterized by its busy, multi-textured composition, the work combines disparate visual elements.

Subject & Meaning

The collage juxtaposes contrasting scenes: on the left, figures in antiquated attire gather under umbrellas by a boat, set against a looming mountain backdrop. On the right, a barren tree stands in a snowy landscape, accompanied by a city map and an unmoored figure. Recurring motifs, such as the repeated upside-down boat with occupants, introduce an air of whimsy or subtle narrative play.

Technique & Style

Jess employed a wide range of printed sources—newspaper clippings, advertisements, and possibly vintage postcards—to construct the piece. The incorporation of both faded and sharply defined images, alongside text and drawings, contributes to the work's layered, visually dense aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Created in 1977, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting the institution's interest in experimental collage techniques of the late 20th century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jess

Jess (1923–2004) was an American artist, born in Long Beach.

Museum

Museum of Modern Art

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