Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Martin Puryear. It dates from 2017 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
This artwork features a gray square with a lighter gray shape inside, resembling a rounded, abstracted figure.
This artwork features a gray square with a lighter gray shape inside, resembling a rounded, abstracted figure. The shape has a small circle at the top and a larger oval in the middle, set against a textured background.
The piece is signed "Martin Puryear 2017" in the bottom-right corner, with the number "1/20" in the bottom-left corner, suggesting it is part of a limited edition print series.
To learn more about the artist's techniques and style, explore the work of Martin Puryear.
Overview
Untitled is a 2017 lithograph by Martin Puryear, part of a limited edition series (1/20), currently in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork features a gray square containing a lighter gray, abstracted figure with a rounded form. This inner shape includes a small circle atop a larger oval, though the subject's interpretation is left ambiguous by the artist's abstract approach.
Technique & Style
Puryear employs lithography to achieve a textured background, contrasting with the smoother, lighter gray figure. The composition's simplicity and use of grayscale hues are characteristic of a restrained, modern aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created in 2017, the piece is signed and numbered by the artist (Martin Puryear 2017, 1/20), indicating its place within a small print run. It is now held in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Context
While specific contextual themes are not explicitly stated in the work, it reflects Puryear's broader exploration of abstract forms and the emotional resonance of minimal, carefully chosen elements.
Legacy
As a recent work within Puryear's oeuvre, its legacy is still unfolding. The piece contributes to the artist's exploration of lithography and abstract representation, potentially influencing future interpretations of his practice.
Artist & collection
Artist
Martin L. Puryear is an American artist known for his devotion to traditional craft. Working in a variety of media, but primarily wood, his reductive technique and meditative approach challenge the physical and poetic…
