Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Mark Bradford. It dates from 2012 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2012, *Untitled* is a series of fourteen prints by Mark Bradford, combining etching, photogravure, and chine collé.
Created in 2012, *Untitled* is a series of fourteen prints by Mark Bradford, combining etching, photogravure, and chine collé. Each piece integrates found printed materials into a dense, textured surface. Bradford, based in Los Angeles, is known for translating the visual language of urban environments into abstract compositions. This series represents his expansion from large-scale paintings into the nuanced possibilities of printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The series incorporates fragments of commercial advertising, including a black-and-white image bearing the phrase 'FULL COLOR PRINTING.' Its presence disrupts the otherwise monochromatic, gestural fields, suggesting a tension between mass communication and personal expression. The juxtaposition may reflect on the erasure or distortion of meaning in public imagery, particularly within marginalized communities.
Technique & Style
Bradford employs etching and photogravure to build layered, tonal surfaces, then adheres thin paper fragments via chine collé to introduce textual and graphic interruptions. The resulting textures—smudged, scraped, and irregular—resemble weathered walls or torn posters. The hand-made quality contrasts with the mechanical origins of the source material, emphasizing process over polish.
History & Provenance
The series entered the collection of The Museum of Modern Art shortly after its creation, reflecting institutional recognition of Bradford’s contribution to contemporary printmaking. It was produced during a period of heightened critical attention to his work, following major exhibitions in Europe and the United States. No prior ownership or exhibition history is documented beyond its acquisition by MoMA.
Context
Emerging from Los Angeles’s South Central neighborhood, Bradford’s work often responds to the social and physical landscapes of urban life. In 2012, his practice was increasingly engaged with the materiality of discarded media and the politics of visibility. This series aligns with broader artistic inquiries into how public information is consumed, altered, and rendered obsolete.
Legacy
The series contributes to a broader redefinition of printmaking as a medium capable of carrying complex social commentary. Bradford’s integration of commercial debris into fine art prints has influenced a generation of artists exploring collage, texture, and found imagery. His approach continues to challenge distinctions between high and low visual culture in contemporary art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mark Bradford (born November 20, 1961) is an American visual artist. Bradford was born, lives, and works in Los Angeles and studied at the California Institute of the Arts. Recognized for his collaged painting works,…
