Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a poster by Phillip Polglaze. It dates from 1980 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
" The background shows a blurry, empty street with a few faint lights and shapes that look like people or objects.
This is a black-and-white poster with bold red and white text that reads "HELL IS EMPTY." The background shows a blurry, empty street with a few faint lights and shapes that look like people or objects. The text at the top is a quote from C.B. de Mille, and there’s a phone number and address for a theater show called *A Theatre of Phantasy Production*.
The poster advertises a play running at Oval House in London in December 1980. The empty street gives a strange, almost ghostly feel, matching the title’s weird tone.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this poster in person.
Overview
This 1980 poster, created by Phillip Polglaze, is a promotional material for a theatrical production. It combines photographic and typographic elements to convey a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Subject & Meaning
The poster's central image is a blurry, black-and-white photograph of an empty street, evoking a ghostly atmosphere. The bold text 'HELL IS EMPTY' dominates the composition, accompanied by a quote from Cecil B. De Mille.
Technique & Style
The design juxtaposes bold red and white typography with a monochromatic background image, creating visual tension. The use of a blurry photograph adds to the overall sense of ambiguity and mystery.
History & Provenance
The poster was created for the production 'Hell is Empty' by Theatre of Phantasy at Oval House in London, which opened on December 15, 1980. It is now part of a museum collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
This Australian artist made bold, simple poster art in the late 20th century. Their 1980 Untitled print uses flat colors and clean lines to catch the eye. The work feels like a snapshot of its time—no extra flair, just…
