Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Ray Johnson. It dates from 1972 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a mixed-media assemblage by Ray Johnson, dated 1972, currently in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. Comprising diverse materials, it presents a visually layered composition.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork features disparate elements, including a black-and-white photograph of a shirtless man with a ball and a woman in a fur coat, alongside a sketch of a face, a lace doily, a makeup compact, and abstract symbols. The absence of a title suggests the work's significance lies in the juxtaposition and interrelation of its components rather than a narrative explanation.
Technique & Style
Johnson employs a collage technique, combining printed paper, gelatin silver print, lace, paperboard, ink, and gouache on a painted paperboard base. The incorporation of everyday objects and varied textures (such as the lace doily and makeup compact) contributes to a scrapbook-like aesthetic, characterized by white stitch-like marks and scattered symbols.
History & Provenance
Created in 1972, the piece is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, though specific details about its creation context or previous ownership are not provided here.
Context
Untitled reflects Johnson's exploration of assemblage, a medium popular among mid-20th-century artists experimenting with non-traditional materials and formats. The work's eclectic nature aligns with tendencies of the time to challenge conventional notions of art.
Legacy
As part of Ray Johnson's oeuvre, Untitled contributes to the artist's reputation for innovative, eclectic works that blend different artistic media. Its presence in a prominent museum collection ensures its visibility and study within the context of late 20th-century art practices.
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…
