Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Matsumi Kanemitsu. It dates from 1965 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1965, this lithograph by Matsumi “Mike” Kanemitsu presents an abstract field of interlacing black and white forms.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1965, this lithograph by Matsumi “Mike” Kanemitsu presents an abstract field of interlacing black and white forms. The composition consists of fluid, wave‑like lines that merge without sharp borders, generating a continuous play of light and darkness across the paper surface.
Subject & Meaning
The work does not depict recognizable objects; instead it explores the visual tension between positive and negative space. The overlapping shapes suggest movement and rhythm, inviting viewers to consider the balance of opposing forces within an abstract visual language.
Technique & Style
Executed through lithography, the image relies on the principle that oil‑based ink adheres to treated stone or metal while repelling water. Kanematsu’s handling of the medium yields soft gradations and seamless transitions, emphasizing the medium’s capacity for atmospheric, blended marks.
History & Provenance
The print entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of mid‑twentieth‑century American printmaking. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in documenting the cross‑cultural practices of artists working between Western and Japanese visual traditions.
Context
Kanemitsu, a Japanese‑American artist active in both painting and sumi‑ink work, was among the practitioners who expanded the possibilities of modern printmaking in the post‑war era. This piece exemplifies his synthesis of Eastern calligraphic gestures with Western abstract expressionist concerns.
Artist & collection
Artist
Matsumi "Mike" Kanemitsu (May 28, 1922 – May 11, 1992) was a Japanese-American painter who was also proficient in Japanese style sumi and lithography.
