Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Lisa Yuskavage. It dates from 2018 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2018, this untitled print merges etching, aquatint, and chine collé to produce a layered monochrome image. The composition centers on a nude female figure embracing another partially concealed individual before a domestic structure, while a crowd gathers in the distance and a luminous source glows from the upper right. The work resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The scene suggests an intimate encounter set against a public backdrop, juxtaposing private vulnerability with communal presence. The nude figure’s protective gesture toward the obscured companion invites contemplation of relational dynamics, while the surrounding assembly and bright light may allude to societal observation or revelation, emphasizing themes of exposure and concealment.
Technique & Style
The artist employs traditional intaglio methods—etching to define line and aquatint to build tonal fields—combined with chine collé, which adheres a thin paper layer to the plate, adding depth and subtle texture. The resulting grayscale palette emphasizes contrast between the illuminated foreground and the darker, crowded background, reinforcing the work’s contemplative mood.
History & Provenance
The print was produced by the artist in New York City and entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation. Its inclusion in the museum’s collection reflects the institution’s interest in contemporary printmaking practices and the artist’s ongoing exploration of figurative narrative within modern media.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lisa Yuskavage ( yə-SKAV-ij; born 1962) is an American artist who lives and works in New York City. She is known for her figure paintings that challenge conventional understandings of the genre.
