Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Karl Wirsum in 1974.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Karl Wirsum (1974) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Created in 1974, this drawing by Karl Wirsum combines felt‑tip pen on rice paper with bamboo supports. The composition resembles a stylized mask, its surface filled with vivid reds, yellows and greens framed by stark black lines that form triangles, zigzags and wavy shapes. The central motif suggests a face with a prominent nose and a hat, surrounded by intricate patterns and dots.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a geometric, mask‑like figure that balances playful coloration with aggressive line work. The juxtaposition of bold outlines and crowded interior detail conveys a sense of energetic tension, hinting at both decorative celebration and a controlled chaos that characterizes Wirsum’s visual language.

Technique & Style

Wirsum employed felt‑tip pens on rice paper, a medium that imparts a slightly textured, handcrafted quality. The drawing’s sharp contours and flat color fields reflect a graphic sensibility, while the use of bamboo as a structural element underscores an interest in integrating natural materials with drawing processes.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from Wirsum’s active period in the 1970s, when he was a central participant in Chicago’s avant‑garde scene. As a member of the collective known as The Hairy Who, he contributed to a regional movement that challenged conventional art practices and expanded the city’s cultural profile.

Context

During the early 1970s, Chicago artists associated with The Hairy Who explored vivid color, cartoonish imagery and a blend of high and low cultural references. Wirsum’s drawing aligns with this aesthetic, echoing the group’s emphasis on graphic boldness and a playful, often chaotic visual narrative.

Artist & collection

Artist

Karl Wirsum

Karl Wirsum (1939 – May 6, 2021) was an American artist. He was a member of the Chicago artistic group The Hairy Who, and helped set the foundation for Chicago's art scene in the 1970s. Although he was primarily a…