Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Marian Zazeela. It dates from 1987 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Marian Zazeela's 1987 offset lithograph *Untitled* is a black-and-white print featuring dense, small text overlaid with purple cursive highlights. At its top, the piece announces a '30-Year Retrospective' and references 'The Well-Tuned Piano', indicating its promotional purpose for a musical event.
Subject & Meaning
The print's content commemorates a retrospective, specifically highlighting 'The Well-Tuned Piano', a work associated with La Monte Young. The detailed listing of concerts, dates, times, and names (including Zazeela and Young) suggests a celebration of their collaborative musical and artistic achievements.
Technique & Style
Executed as an offset lithograph, the work showcases a simple yet information-dense design. A thin border frames the text, which is organized in columnar fashion, resembling a schedule. The contrast between black-and-white body text and purple cursive accents adds visual distinction.
History & Provenance
Created in 1987 in New York City, *Untitled* reflects Zazeela's role as a multifaceted artist within the city's experimental scene. Her association with La Monte Young and the Theatre of Eternal Music contextualizes the print within a broader interdisciplinary practice merging music and visual arts.
Context
This lithograph embodies the promotional materials of New York's 1980s experimental music scene, where artists like Zazeela and Young pushed boundaries between sound and visual expression. The '30-Year Retrospective' suggests a milestone in their collective career, honoring decades of innovative work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marian Zazeela (April 15, 1940 – March 28, 2024) was an American light artist, designer, calligrapher, painter, and musician based in New York City.
