Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Lorna Simpson in 1998.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Lorna Simpson (1998) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a black‑and‑white print created in 1998 by contemporary artist Lorna Simpson. It belongs to a limited portfolio that includes seven screenprints—some combined with collage or watercolor—one lithograph, and a screen‑printed cover. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman seated at a modest table, holding a white cup while a muted brick wall and a partially opened window frame the scene. Everyday objects such as a plate, a cup, and an electrical socket appear scattered nearby. The woman’s steady gaze and solemn expression invite contemplation of routine moments and the way memory preserves them.

Technique & Style

Simpson employed screenprinting on felt, integrating elements of collage within the broader portfolio. The monochrome palette emphasizes form and texture, while the subtle interplay of light from the blinds creates a quiet atmosphere. The choice of felt as a substrate adds a tactile dimension that contrasts with the photographic source material.

History & Provenance

The piece was produced as part of a series of experimental prints in the late 1990s, a period when Simpson was expanding her practice beyond photography. After its completion, the work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it has been displayed in exhibitions exploring contemporary printmaking and feminist perspectives.

Context

Created at a time when artists were revisiting traditional print techniques to address contemporary themes, the work reflects Simpson’s ongoing investigation of identity, representation, and the act of remembering. Its understated composition aligns with her broader oeuvre, which often juxtaposes photographic realism with conceptual interventions.