Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Ray Johnson. It dates from 1968 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Ray Johnson's "Untitled" (1968) is an offset lithograph print, part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. The work comprises three distinct panels arranged vertically on a light background.
Subject & Meaning
The lithograph juxtaposes disparate elements: a small black-and-white seashell drawing, a photograph of a smiling boy, and handwritten text reporting a tragic incident. This juxtaposition creates a sense of discord, contrasting innocuous and somber themes.
Technique & Style
Johnson employs a combination of visual media in "Untitled": a hand-drawn image, a photographic reproduction, and handwritten text. The offset lithograph technique allows for mass production, underscoring the work's accessibility and potential for widespread dissemination.
History & Provenance
Created in 1968, "Untitled" is characteristic of Ray Johnson's practice during this period. The work is now held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Context
"Untitled" reflects Johnson's penchant for merging mundane imagery with unexpected, often provocative text, inviting viewers to reconcile the juxtapositions. This approach aligns with broader experimental tendencies in late 1960s art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Raymond Edward "Ray" Johnson was an American artist. Known primarily as a collagist and correspondence artist, he was a seminal figure in the history of Neo-Dada and early Pop art and was described as "New York's most…
