Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Manya Kuzemchenko. It dates from 2012 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is one of thirty-one screenprints from a 2012 portfolio by Manya Kuzemchenko. It is part of the collection at The Museum of Modern Art. The work presents a non-representational composition defined by sharp contrasts between red, blue, and white forms. Its abstract language invites interpretation without anchoring meaning to a specific narrative or object.
Subject & Meaning
These elements interact without resolving into a clear symbol, emphasizing ambiguity and visual tension over fixed interpretation.
The composition suggests ambiguous figuration: a large red form evokes facial or mask-like qualities, while a superimposed blue shape hints at botanical or celestial motifs. A black circular element, possibly a handle, connects to the red form, and a trailing red drip introduces motion. These elements interact without resolving into a clear symbol, emphasizing ambiguity and visual tension over fixed interpretation.
Technique & Style
Kuzemchenko employed screenprinting to achieve flat, saturated color fields and crisp edges. The layered application of red, blue, and black creates a sense of depth through overlap rather than perspective. The deliberate irregularity of the red drip contrasts with the precision of the geometric shapes, introducing a tactile, gestural quality within an otherwise controlled medium.
History & Provenance
Created in 2012, Untitled belongs to a portfolio of thirty-one screenprints produced by the artist that year. The work entered The Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its completion. No public record indicates prior ownership or exhibition history beyond its inclusion in the museum’s holdings, suggesting direct acquisition from the artist or her representative.
Context
Kuzemchenko’s work from this period engages with the legacy of postwar abstraction, particularly the interplay between structure and spontaneity. Her use of screenprinting aligns with broader trends in contemporary printmaking that prioritize repetition and variation. The piece reflects an interest in visual ambiguity, resonating with contemporaneous inquiries into form and perception in non-objective art.
Legacy
As part of a cohesive portfolio, Untitled contributes to an ongoing exploration of abstraction through print. While not widely exhibited outside institutional settings, it remains a representative example of Kuzemchenko’s approach to layering, color, and formal tension. Its presence in MoMA’s collection situates it within a broader discourse on contemporary print practices and non-representational expression.
Artist & collection
Artist
Manya Kuzemchenko could spend all day printing the same sheet of paper, adjusting the squeegee pressure until the ink looked just right.
