Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Joel Smith. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1967 screenprint by American artist Joel Smith, belongs to a limited portfolio of thirteen works, one of which includes hand‑applied elements. The piece is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and exemplifies Smith’s interest in bold, graphic abstraction.
Subject & Meaning
A pink heart‑shaped area contains a dark silhouette holding a telephone, while a neighboring red clover‑shaped field frames a second shadowy figure.
The composition divides the picture plane into vivid color blocks. A pink heart‑shaped area contains a dark silhouette holding a telephone, while a neighboring red clover‑shaped field frames a second shadowy figure. Lower sections repeat the pattern with additional silhouettes set against simple architectural shapes that suggest windows or doors, inviting viewers to consider anonymity and communication within abstracted space.
Technique & Style
Created through traditional screen‑printing, the work builds layers of ink using separate stencils for each color. The process yields flat, saturated hues and crisp, dark outlines that emphasize graphic clarity. The occasional hand‑added touches in the series introduce subtle variations that distinguish the printed surface from purely mechanical reproduction.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1967 as part of Smith’s self‑published portfolio, the print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s early interest in contemporary printmaking. Its acquisition helped to document the rise of color screen‑print practices in the late 1960s.
Context
During the late 1960s, screen‑printing gained prominence among artists seeking mass‑production aesthetics and vivid color fields. Smith’s work aligns with this trend, echoing the visual language of Pop Art while maintaining a personal, abstracted narrative through the use of symbolic shapes and isolated figures.
Legacy
Untitled remains a representative example of mid‑century American screen‑print experimentation, illustrating how artists combined commercial techniques with personal iconography. Its presence in MoMA’s collection continues to inform studies of print media’s evolution and the broader dialogue between abstraction and popular visual culture.
Artist & collection
