Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Kiki Smith. It dates from 2009 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2009, this untitled work by Kiki Smith combines lithography with monotype processes, supplemented by hand‑applied details. The piece is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art and exemplifies the artist’s interest in merging printmaking with direct, tactile interventions.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a nude female figure standing upright, her arms relaxed at her sides while she cradles a slender branch bearing fresh green leaves. The simplicity of the figure’s outline and the intimate gesture of holding the branch suggest a quiet dialogue between the human body and natural growth.
Technique & Style
Smith employed a lithographic base to render the figure’s pale, sketch‑like contour, then overlaid a monotype layer that adds depth and texture. After the print was pulled, she applied the leaves by hand, giving them a vivid, three‑dimensional quality that contrasts with the flatness of the printed surface.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the United States in 2009 and entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly thereafter. It remains on view as part of the museum’s holdings of contemporary printmaking, reflecting the institution’s commitment to acquiring works that explore hybrid processes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kiki Smith is a German-born American artist whose work has addressed the themes of sex, birth and regeneration.
