Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Laurie Simmons, Cindy Sherman, Jack Pierson, Jorge Pardo, Frank Moore, Jim Hodges, Nan Goldin, Robert Wilson, Chuck Close, Lari Pittman, Various Artists Kiki Smith. It dates from 2000 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
A collaborative print portfolio from 2000, Untitled brings together twelve artists who each contributed one small work, then exchanged pieces with the group.
A collaborative print portfolio from 2000, Untitled brings together twelve artists who each contributed one small work, then exchanged pieces with the group. The final set includes chromogenic prints, digital prints, a monotype, etchings, and a silver dye bleach print, all housed in a single white box. The only constraint was physical size—each piece had to fit within the container. No titles or explanations accompany the works, emphasizing process over presentation.
Subject & Meaning
The works resist unified narrative, instead offering fragmented, personal glimpses: blurred portraits, abstract marks, handwritten phrases, and accidental color spills. These are not polished statements but intimate artifacts, as if each artist responded to the previous contributor’s gesture. The absence of titles invites open interpretation, framing the portfolio as a visual conversation rather than a curated exhibition.
Technique & Style
The portfolio showcases a wide range of print and photographic methods, from the sharp clarity of chromogenic prints to the textured grain of etchings and the tactile quality of a hand-painted monotype. Styles vary from documentary realism to abstract expression, reflecting each artist’s individual practice. The diversity of technique underscores the project’s emphasis on personal expression over stylistic cohesion.
History & Provenance
Created in 2000, the portfolio was assembled through a direct exchange among the participating artists, each producing one piece and then receiving another’s work in return. It entered the collection of The Museum of Modern Art shortly after its completion. The project’s informal structure and lack of commercial intent distinguish it from typical artist collaborations of the period.
Context
Emerging from a moment when artists increasingly explored collaborative and non-commercial formats, Untitled reflects a broader interest in intimacy, spontaneity, and the dematerialization of the art object. It echoes the ethos of zines and personal photography, aligning with practices seen in the work of Nan Goldin and others who prioritized authenticity over spectacle.
Legacy
The portfolio remains a quiet testament to artist-to-artist exchange, valuing process and trust over public display. Its inclusion in MoMA’s collection affirms the significance of informal, participatory practices in contemporary art. It continues to be referenced in discussions about collaboration, authorship, and the boundaries of the art object.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kiki Smith, Laurie Simmons, Cindy Sherman, Jack Pierson, Jorge Pardo, Frank Moore, Jim Hodges, Nan Goldin, Robert Wilson, Chuck Close, Lari Pittman, Various Artists was an American) (American) (American) (American)…
