Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Mary Weatherford, paint, 2012
Untitled, by Mary Weatherford, paint, 2012

Untitled is a paint painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Mary Weatherford. It dates from 2012 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 2012 work by Mary Weatherford, combines synthetic polymer paint on linen with neon lighting, integrating visual and luminous elements in a contemporary abstract piece.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork presents a dark, textured landscape with deep blues, purples, and yellows, juxtaposed with bright, yellow and white neon lights shaped like fishhooks. This contrast evokes a dynamic interplay between the organic, rough brushstrokes and the industrial glow of neon, suggesting a tension between natural and synthetic elements.

Technique & Style

Weatherford's technique is characterized by thick, uneven brushstrokes and a heavily layered, scraped paint surface, giving the work a textured, almost three-dimensional quality. The incorporation of neon lights, suspended from the top of the canvas, adds a sculptural dimension and challenges traditional notions of painting.

History & Provenance

Created in 2012, *Untitled* is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Weatherford, based in Los Angeles, has exhibited internationally, including solo shows at Gagosian West and David Kordansky Gallery.

Context

This piece reflects Weatherford's broader practice of exploring the intersection of painting and light. The jagged canvas edges and visible wiring underscore the work's emphasis on the physicality of the artwork and its engagement with the surrounding space.

Artist & collection

Artist

Mary Weatherford

Mary Weatherford (born 1963) is a Los Angeles–based painter. She is known for her large abstract paintings incorporating neon lighting tubes. Her work is featured in museums and galleries including the Hirshhorn Museum…

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