Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an acrylic painting by the Conceptual Art artist On Kawara. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
This painting is a solid black canvas with white block letters spelling out *2 AUG.1988*. The text sits centered, slightly off-kilter, like a stamp on a dark background. Nothing else is there—no brushstrokes, no shapes, just the date.
The artist used the exact date the painting was made as its title and subject. It’s a quiet way to mark time.
Look up *On Kawara* to see more of his date paintings.
Overview
Untitled (1988) is a conceptual painting by Japanese artist On Kawara, executed in acrylic on canvas. Characterized by its simplicity, the work features a solid black background with centered, white block letters displaying the date '2 AUG.1988'.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the painting is the specific date of its creation, '2 August 1988'. By using the date as both the content and implicit title, Kawara explores the concept of marking time, inviting reflection on the passage and documentation of daily existence.
Technique & Style
Technically, the painting is notable for its stark minimalism: a uniform black canvas bears a single, centered element—the date '2 AUG.1988' in white block letters, slightly off-kilter, evoking the simplicity of a stamp. The absence of visible brushstrokes or additional compositional elements underscores the work's conceptual focus.
History & Provenance
Created in 1988 while Kawara was based in New York City, *Untitled* is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, aligning with the artist's broader practice of date paintings, a series that spans his career.
Context
*Untitled* fits within the broader framework of conceptual art, where the idea or concept behind the work takes precedence over traditional aesthetic considerations. It also touches on themes of religious or contemplative art through its serene and reflective nature.
Artist & collection
Artist
On Kawara (河原温, Kawara On; January 2, 1933 – July 10, 2014) was a Japanese conceptual artist who lived in SoHo, New York City, from 1965 until his death.
