Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Lee Krasner, ink, 1962
Untitled, by Lee Krasner, ink, 1962

Untitled is an ink print by Lee Krasner. It dates from 1962 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1962 lithograph by Lee Krasner, a key figure in Abstract Expressionism, presents a dynamic composition of intertwined black, white, and gray swirls and sharp lines, filling the entire space without a clear focal point.

Subject & Meaning

The work's subject is abstract, conveying energy and tension through its tangled, expressive forms, which evoke comparisons to torn paper or turbulent waves. The absence of a title ('Untitled') leaves interpretation open.

Technique & Style

Characteristic of Abstract Expressionist printmaking, the lithograph features a dense array of thick and thin marks, showcasing Krasner's expressive handling of line and tone, influenced by her Cubist training under Hans Hofmann.

History & Provenance

Created in 1962, the lithograph is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Krasner's background includes training at Cooper Union, the National Academy of Design, and under Hans Hofmann, which informed her artistic development.

Context

This work reflects the mid-20th-century Abstract Expressionist movement in the United States, emphasizing spontaneous and expressive techniques. Krasner's contribution to this male-dominated field is particularly noteworthy.

Legacy

As part of MoMA's collection, this lithograph continues to be studied and exhibited, contributing to the ongoing appreciation of Krasner's oeuvre and the broader Abstract Expressionist movement.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lee Krasner

Artist

Lee Krasner

Lenore "Lee" Krasner (born Lena Krassner; October 27, 1908 – June 19, 1984) was an American painter and visual artist active primarily in New York whose work has been associated with the Abstract Expressionist movement.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.