Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Pat Steir. It dates from 2010 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Pat Steir’s 2010 oil on canvas, titled Untitled, presents a tripartite composition. A deep brown field occupies the left, a stark black vertical band bisects the center, and a lighter yellow‑brown area fills the right, where brushwork and texture are evident. The juxtaposition of smooth and tactile surfaces generates visual tension, while the central stripe introduces a sense of depth.
Subject & Meaning
The work continues Steir’s investigation of abstraction through fluid gestures, translating the dynamics of water and gravity into static paint. The contrasting tones and textures suggest an interplay between stability and movement, inviting viewers to consider the balance of opposing forces within a seemingly simple geometric arrangement.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the piece combines areas of uniform color with expressive, impasto brushstrokes. The black stripe is rendered with a flat, linear application, whereas the right-hand section reveals layered strokes that build a rough surface. This blend of controlled color fields and gestural texture reflects Steir’s signature approach of dripping, splashing, and pouring paint.
History & Provenance
Created in 2010, Untitled belongs to the later phase of Steir’s abstract practice that began in the 1980s. The artist’s work has been shown at institutions such as the Tate Gallery in London and the Brooklyn Museum, and this painting is part of the museum’s collection, where it remains on view.
Artist & collection
Artist
Iris Patricia Steir (née Sukoneck; April 10, 1938 – March 25, 2026) was an American painter and printmaker.
