Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Álvaro Barrios, ink, 2004
Untitled, by Álvaro Barrios, ink, 2004

Untitled is an ink print by Álvaro Barrios. It dates from 2004 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 2004 work by Álvaro Barrios, comprises twenty-six photolithographs. The primary image depicts a scene of six individuals, attired in mid-century clothing, congregated around a white toilet, set against a blurred outdoor backdrop of trees and sky.

Subject & Meaning

The central subject, a toilet, is the focal point of amusement and curiosity for the gathered group. Their reactions, conveyed through Spanish speech bubbles joking about the toilet's peculiarity and expense, transform the mundane object into a source of collective entertainment and surprise.

Technique & Style

The work employs photolithography, combining vibrant colors such as bright red borders, blue speech bubbles, and soft pastel tones, to evoke a comic-like aesthetic. This stylistic choice amplifies the humorous and lighthearted nature of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 2004, 'Untitled' is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Context

The juxtaposition of a mundane, indoor fixture (the toilet) within an outdoor setting, alongside the mid-century attire of the figures, suggests a blend of temporal and spatial dislocation, adding to the scene's absurdity and playfulness.

Artist & collection

Artist

Álvaro Barrios

Álvaro Barrios (b. 1945) was a Colombian artist, born in Barranquilla.

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