Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Red Grooms. It dates from 1975 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1975, this screenprint is one of six works in a mixed-media portfolio by American artist Red Grooms. It combines screenprinting with collage, reflecting his interest in layered, tactile surfaces. The piece is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection and exemplifies Grooms’ engagement with the visual chaos of urban spectacle through printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The scene evokes public celebration, yet the disjointed imagery subtly questions the stability of those ideals.
The composition centers on a large bell inscribed with 'Equality & Plenty,' flanked by figures in motion: a unicyclist holding a red cup, a horseback rider, and a figure beside a column topped with an eagle. These elements suggest a satirical civic pageant, blending symbols of American identity with absurdity. The scene evokes public celebration, yet the disjointed imagery subtly questions the stability of those ideals.
Technique & Style
Grooms employed screenprinting with added collage elements to build texture and depth. Bold, flat colors and overlapping forms create a sense of visual overload, mirroring the density of city life. Lines are energetic and irregular, enhancing the impression of movement. The mix of media allows for both precision and spontaneity, characteristic of his approach to printmaking.
History & Provenance
The work was produced as part of a limited portfolio released in 1975, which included lithographs and screenprints, some incorporating paper collage. It entered The Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting institutional recognition of Grooms’ contribution to postwar American print culture. Its inclusion underscores the museum’s interest in experimental, narrative-driven printmaking of the era.
Context
Emerging from the Pop Art movement, Grooms rejected minimalism in favor of exuberant, story-driven imagery. His work responded to the sensory overload of 1970s American cities, drawing from street theater, carnival aesthetics, and commercial signage. This print aligns with broader cultural interests in participatory spectacle and the critique of national myths through playful distortion.
Legacy
Grooms’ integration of collage and print techniques influenced later generations of artists exploring narrative and material hybridity. While less widely known than his large-scale installations, this print remains a key example of his ability to compress complex social commentary into compact, vivid compositions. It continues to be studied for its layered symbolism and innovative use of print media.
Artist & collection
Artist
Red Grooms (born Charles Rogers Grooms on June 7, 1937) is an American multimedia artist best known for his colorful pop-art constructions depicting frenetic scenes of modern urban life.
