Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor print by Kiki Smith. It dates from 1996 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1996, this untitled work by Kiki Smith is a mixed-media print that combines traditional woodcut with glitter and watercolor elements. The piece is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed among other contemporary prints.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a four‑leaf clover rendered in deep blue‑green, set against a single, dark leaf whose surface is speckled with tiny white marks. A glittering, dark nucleus occupies the clover’s center, while scattered red dots drift across a pale background, suggesting a sense of delicate chance or natural ephemerality.
Technique & Style
Smith employed carved wood blocks to define the primary shapes, then enhanced the surface with glitter that catches light, creating a subtle shimmer. Watercolor washes were applied to soften edges and introduce tonal variation, while collaged woodcut fragments add texture, resulting in a layered, tactile visual experience.
History & Provenance
The print was produced in the mid‑1990s, a period when Smith was exploring the intersection of printmaking and decorative materials. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in contemporary artists who expand the boundaries of traditional print techniques.
Context
During the 1990s, artists increasingly incorporated non‑traditional media into printmaking to challenge conventional notions of the medium. Smith’s use of glitter and watercolor aligns with this trend, emphasizing materiality and the interplay of light, while the botanical motif resonates with her broader interest in natural forms and the body.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kiki Smith is a German-born American artist whose work has addressed the themes of sex, birth and regeneration.
