Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an acrylic painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Richard Tuttle. It dates from 1998 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled (1998) is a postminimalist acrylic painting on plywood by American artist Richard Tuttle, characterized by subtle forms and delicate composition, now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The work's subject is abstract, focusing on the interplay of materials and space. The torn surface and revealed underlayers explore physicality and depth, while a teal shape introduces contrast within a predominantly muted, wood-grain-inspired palette.
Technique & Style
Tuttle employs characteristic postminimalist restraint, combining acrylic paint with the inherent texture of plywood. The intentional tear in the painting introduces an element of fragility and dimensionality, enhancing the piece's tactile quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1998, the painting is part of Richard Tuttle's body of work from this period, reflecting his ongoing exploration of scale, line, and materiality. It is currently held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Context
Untitled situates itself within the broader context of 1990s postminimalist and contemporary abstract art movements, where artists experimented with minimal forms, everyday materials, and the emotional potential of subtle composition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Dean Tuttle (born July 12, 1941) is an American postminimalist artist known for his small, casual, subtle, intimate works.
