Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Peter Klasen. It dates from 1971 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Peter Klasen’s 1971 screenprint, untitled, is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work presents a stark black‑and‑white close‑up of a pair of lips, bordered by vivid orange and yellow fields. Beneath the portrait, a white electrical plug attached to a coiled cord and a small rectangular box is rendered in precise, graphic lines.
Subject & Meaning
The juxtaposition of a human facial feature with an everyday electrical component invites a dialogue between the organic and the manufactured. The soft, sharply outlined lips contrast with the hard, schematic representation of the plug, suggesting themes of communication, connection, or the interface between body and technology.
Technique & Style
Executed as a screenprint, the image relies on bold contrasts and flat areas of color. Klasen employs clean, hard edges for the plug and cord, while the lips retain a subtle gradation that conveys softness within the same medium. The limited palette of black, white, orange, and yellow heightens the visual tension.
History & Provenance
Created in 1971, the untitled print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings as part of its mid‑20th‑century print collection. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in works that explore the intersection of graphic design and fine art during the post‑modern period.
Context
The early 1970s saw a surge in artists employing commercial printing techniques to question the boundaries of art and design. Klasen’s work aligns with this trend, echoing contemporaneous explorations of mass‑media imagery and the visual language of consumer electronics.
Artist & collection
