Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by John Armleder in 2003.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by John Armleder (2003) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Untitled, produced in 2003, is a portfolio comprising nineteen lithographs and a single monotype by Swiss artist John Armleder. The set is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Each sheet presents a vivid, non‑representational composition that balances gestural brushwork with flat, saturated areas of color, creating a visual rhythm across the series.

Technique & Style

Armleder employs traditional lithographic processes alongside a monotype, allowing for both reproducible and unique surfaces.

Armleder employs traditional lithographic processes alongside a monotype, allowing for both reproducible and unique surfaces. The prints feature loose, calligraphic lines that intersect solid geometric shapes, rendered in bright, often clashing hues. Edges remain deliberately rough, suggesting an unfinished quality and emphasizing the artist’s interest in the tension between controlled design and spontaneous mark‑making.

Subject & Meaning

The works do not depict recognizable objects; instead they explore the interaction of line and color as autonomous visual elements. Repeating motifs appear in varied configurations, inviting viewers to consider patterns of visual perception and the way repeated gestures can generate new associations within an abstract field.

History & Provenance

Created in 2003, the portfolio entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its completion, reflecting the institution’s ongoing acquisition of contemporary print media. The series has been exhibited in several MoMA shows focusing on modern printmaking and the crossover between painting and sculpture in Armleder’s practice.

Context

Armleder’s print work extends his broader practice, which merges painting, sculpture, and installation. The Untitled series aligns with his interest in the provisional nature of artistic decisions, echoing the informal, process‑oriented approach that characterizes much of early‑2000s Swiss contemporary art.