Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Jess, oil, 1964
Untitled, by Jess, oil, 1964

Untitled is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Jess. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is an abstract oil painting on canvas over wood created by Jess in 1964. It is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a fantastical laboratory scene with pipes, gauges, and tools. A glass jar with a dial is prominently displayed on a shelf, amidst a tangle of tubes, set against a brick wall background. The scene is rendered in flat, bright colors, evoking a dreamlike atmosphere rather than a realistic representation.

Technique & Style

The artist employed thick, impasto paint to create textured shapes that give the composition a collage-like quality. The heavy application of paint adds depth and visual interest to the work, contributing to its abstract character.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jess

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

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