Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Jim Nutt. It dates from 1969 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1969 by Jim Nutt, a key figure in the Chicago Imagists movement, this untitled drawing combines colored pencil, pencil, and watercolor on paper. It features a dynamic, abstracted figure set against a subdued background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a figure in a vibrant orange shirt and white hat, is partially obscured by swirling, multicolored patterns that extend to the neck, hat, and a detailed shirt inset. The addition of the word 'running' in cursive script implies motion.
Technique & Style
Nutt's surrealist approach, influenced by pop culture, is evident in the bold, expressive coloration and the juxtaposition of detailed realism (shirt detail) with abstract, expressive obscuration of the figure's face.
History & Provenance
Jim Nutt, educated at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, created this work during a pivotal period in his career. It is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Context
This piece reflects the Chicago Imagists' emphasis on surreal, often humorous, and pop culture-influenced imagery, distinguishing it from other contemporary art movements of the late 1960s.
Legacy
While specific impact of this piece on Nutt's broader oeuvre or the movement is not detailed, it exemplifies the Chicago Imagists' innovative blend of surrealism and pop art aesthetics.
Artist & collection
Artist
James T. Nutt (born November 28, 1938) is an American artist who was a founding member of the Chicago surrealist art movement known as the Chicago Imagists, or the Hairy Who. Though his work is inspired by the same pop…
