Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by John Pearson. It is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
The use of a grid pattern and bold colors is reminiscent of the Op Art movement, which was popular during the 1960s.
This painting is a lithograph, titled Untitled, created by John Pearson in 1968. It is held at The Museum of Modern Art.
The artwork features a grid pattern with alternating light purple and green squares. Thin teal lines are placed vertically within some of the squares, adding a pop of color to the overall design. The grid pattern creates a sense of order and structure, while the teal lines introduce a touch of playfulness.
The use of a grid pattern and bold colors is reminiscent of the Op Art movement, which was popular during the 1960s. To learn more about this style, explore the works of other artists who experimented with similar techniques.
Overview
John Pearson’s 1968 lithograph, catalogued simply as Untitled, is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Executed in the print medium, the work presents a tightly organized grid composed of alternating light‑purple and green squares, punctuated by slender teal lines that run vertically through selected cells.
Subject & Meaning
The composition balances geometric rigor with a subtle injection of color, using the regularity of the grid to convey order while the unexpected teal strokes introduce a note of spontaneity. This juxtaposition suggests a dialogue between structure and playfulness, inviting viewers to consider how minor variations can alter the perception of an otherwise uniform field.
Technique & Style
Created through lithography, Pearson exploits the medium’s capacity for flat, uniform color fields and crisp line work. The precise registration of the squares and the delicate application of the teal verticals reflect the aesthetic concerns of Op Art, a movement that emphasized optical effects and visual vibration through repetitive patterns and contrasting hues.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in 1968, a period when artists were actively exploring the possibilities of printmaking for disseminating graphic experiments. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, where it has remained a representative example of Pearson’s engagement with systematic abstraction.
Context
Pearson’s Untitled aligns with the broader 1960s fascination with optical phenomena, sharing visual strategies with contemporaries who employed grids, color contrast, and illusionary tactics. While not overtly narrative, the work participates in a network of artworks that interrogated perception, reinforcing the era’s interest in the viewer’s active role in constructing visual meaning.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Pearson was a master craftsman of the Newlyn School and Guild of Handicraft. He worked in copper and his style is described as arts and crafts / Modern Style.
