Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by John Currin. It dates from 2003 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
John Currin’s 2003 print, titled Untitled, is a monochrome work executed through etching, aquatint, and drypoint. The image presents a solitary female figure whose face is the sole exposed element beneath a dark, hooded cloak. The composition is rendered in stark black and white, emphasizing tonal contrasts and the intimate gesture of a soft smile directed toward the viewer.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait focuses on a woman whose anonymity is heightened by the concealment of her head and the absence of any contextual background. The gentle smile and relaxed hands suggest a moment of quiet contemplation, inviting viewers to consider themes of identity, concealment, and the subtle communication conveyed through facial expression alone.
Technique & Style
Currin employed a combination of etching, aquatint, and drypoint on metal plates, allowing for fine line work, rich tonal washes, and delicate surface textures.
Currin employed a combination of etching, aquatint, and drypoint on metal plates, allowing for fine line work, rich tonal washes, and delicate surface textures. The shading around the face and cloak creates depth, while the drypoint marks contribute to the softness of the smile. The print’s monochrome palette underscores the interplay of light and shadow characteristic of traditional intaglio processes.
History & Provenance
Created in 2003, this untitled work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in contemporary printmaking practices and the ongoing relevance of Currin’s figurative investigations within a modern museum context.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Currin is an American painter based in New York City. He is most recognised for his technically proficient satirical figurative paintings that explore controversial sexual and societal topics. His work shows a wide…
