Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Richard Serra. It dates from 1972 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
This 1972 lithograph, titled *Untitled*, is a work by American artist Richard Serra, associated with the postminimalist movement. It features two thick, black arcs on a white background, evoking a sense of weight and material presence.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of *Untitled* is abstract, focusing on geometric forms that explore spatial relationships and materiality, characteristic of Serra's practice. The heavy, black arcs imply a physical presence, transcending their two-dimensional medium.
Technique & Style
Created using a lithography stone, which retains ink like a sponge, the piece showcases Serra's exploration of medium and process. The bold, dark arcs against a white field reflect his minimalist and postminimalist tendencies, emphasizing simplicity and the inherent qualities of materials.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1972, the same year Serra began creating his renowned steel sculptures, *Untitled* is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Context
This lithograph coincides with the inception of Serra's large-scale steel sculptures, which also feature curved forms. It provides a two-dimensional precursor to his three-dimensional explorations of space and material weight.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Serra (November 2, 1938 – March 26, 2024) was an American artist known for his large-scale abstract sculptures made for site-specific landscape, urban, and architectural settings, and whose work has been primarily associated with…
