Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Mieko Shiomi, ink, 1963
Untitled, by Mieko Shiomi, ink, 1963

Untitled is an ink drawing by Mieko Shiomi. It dates from 1963 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1963 drawing by Mieko Shiomi, is a conceptual work held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. Comprising a blank page with handwritten black ink instructions, the piece guides the participant through a series of timed actions.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Untitled is the experience itself, focusing on the passage of time and the simplicity of physical engagement. Instructions such as 'Shut your eyes' and 'Open your eyes' at specified times underscore the work's emphasis on temporal awareness and direct participant interaction.

Technique & Style

Executed in neat yet hurried-looking handwriting, the ink instructions on paper reflect a spontaneous, note-like quality. The absence of visual imagery highlights the piece's conceptual nature, prioritizing instruction over representation.

History & Provenance

Created in 1963, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, though specific details of its acquisition are not provided here.

Context

Untitled aligns with the conceptual and participatory art movements of the 1960s, where the audience's experience and the artist's instructions became central to the artwork's realization.

Legacy

As a precursor to interactive and conceptual art practices, Untitled influences subsequent artists exploring time, participation, and the dematerialization of the art object.

Artist & collection

Artist

Mieko Shiomi

Mieko Shiomi was a Japanese amateur photographer in Shōwa era Japan.

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