Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Lawrence Weiner. It dates from 1995 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1995, this screenprint by Lawrence Weiner presents a stark arrangement of white lettering on a uniform brown field. The phrase “WITH A WARM EMBRACE (COME WHAT MAY)” dominates the composition, rendered in large, bold type that is outlined in black, giving the words a subtle three‑dimensional effect.
Subject & Meaning
The text functions as the sole visual element, inviting viewers to reflect on the notion of acceptance in the face of uncertainty. By pairing the comforting idea of a warm embrace with the open‑ended “come what may,” the work foregrounds language as a vehicle for conceptual inquiry rather than depicting a literal scene.
Technique & Style
Executed as a screenprint, the piece utilizes a simple two‑color palette—white text with black outlines against a brown background. The staggered alignment of each line creates a rhythmic offset, while the outline technique adds depth without relying on traditional pictorial representation, aligning with Weiner’s emphasis on language as sculptural material.
History & Provenance
Lawrence Weiner, born in New York City in 1942, emerged as a pivotal figure in the development of Conceptual Art during the 1960s. By the mid‑1990s, his practice had expanded to include prints, installations, and performance, consistently employing text to interrogate conventional art subjects. This 1995 screenprint exemplifies that ongoing trajectory.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lawrence Charles Weiner (February 10, 1942 – December 2, 2021) was an artist born and raised in New York City.
