Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Robert Barry. It dates from 1981 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, created by Robert Barry in 1981, is a contemporary abstract painting composed of synthetic polymer paint and silver pencil on paper, mounted on aluminum. The work is characterized by a solid red square with faint, scattered text elements.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the painting is abstract, with the primary visual element being a red square. The scattered, faint text phrases (e.g., 'otherwise', 'as such', 'hoping for') introduce a conceptual layer, inviting interpretation of their relationship to the dominant red field.
Technique & Style
Barry employed synthetic polymer paint for the solid red square and silver pencil for the text, which is rendered in a simple, thin font. The contrast between the bold, opaque red and the subtle, near-invisible text reflects Barry's minimalist and conceptual art tendencies.
History & Provenance
Created in 1981, 'Untitled' is part of Robert Barry's conceptual and abstract practice, which began in 1967. The work is now held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Context
'Untitled' aligns with Barry's exploration of non-material and conceptual themes, often incorporating ephemeral or invisible elements. This piece, with its balance of bold color and faint text, typifies his minimalist approach within the broader contemporary abstract movement.
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Barry (born March 9, 1936) is an American artist. Since 1967, Barry has produced non-material works of art, installations, and performance art using a variety of otherwise invisible media. In 1968, Robert Barry…
