Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Larry Rivers. It dates from 1971 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled (1971) is a mixed media print by Larry Rivers, combining lithography with hand-drawn elements and collage. Characterized by its distinctive, hand-altered appearance, the work reflects Rivers' eclectic approach to art.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a face, crudely yet expressively rendered through a brown paper cut-out. Large dark eyes, a straight nose, and a small mouth convey a sense of simplicity and directness, inviting interpretation of its emotional or narrative intent.
Technique & Style
Rivers employed lithography as the base, overlaid with hand-cut paper strips framing the face, and added ink lines for texture and depth. The rough, uneven edges and hand-cut appearance emphasize the artist's manual intervention, blending precision with spontaneity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1971, *Untitled* is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting its significance within Rivers' oeuvre and broader artistic movements of the time.
Context
While Rivers is often associated with Pop Art due to his narrative and objective elements, this work's emphasis on manual, expressive techniques also aligns with broader experimental practices in 1970s art, highlighting his bridging of different styles.
Legacy
As part of Rivers' diverse output, *Untitled* contributes to the artist's legacy of challenging category boundaries in American art, influencing subsequent generations in their approach to mixed media and expressive printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Larry Rivers (born Yitzroch Loiza Grossberg; August 17, 1923 – August 14, 2002) was an American painter, musician, filmmaker, and occasional actor.
