Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Roger Peet. It dates from 2012 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is one of thirty-one screenprints produced by Roger Peet in 2012. It is part of a cohesive series held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. The work employs flat, graphic forms and high-contrast color to convey a direct visual message. Its simplicity and bold composition reflect a tradition of political poster art, prioritizing clarity over detail.
Subject & Meaning
A black bear, rendered upright on its hind legs, holds a red accordion with its mouth open as if playing. Beneath it, a splash of red suggests spilled blood or protest markers. Above, the word 'OCCUPY!' in bold red letters anchors the image. The bear, neither menacing nor comedic, becomes a symbol of collective action, linking natural force with civil unrest.
Technique & Style
Peet used screenprinting to achieve sharp, unmodulated fields of color and clean outlines. The composition relies on minimal detail—no texture, shading, or background—emphasizing symbolic elements over realism. The limited palette of black, red, and white enhances legibility and urgency, aligning the work with protest graphics and mid-century political posters.
History & Provenance
Created in 2012, the print was produced as part of a portfolio responding to the Occupy Wall Street movement. It entered The Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its completion, recognized for its timely engagement with contemporary social movements. The portfolio as a whole documents Peet’s interest in merging visual symbolism with political discourse.
Context
Peet’s use of animal imagery and direct text echoes earlier activist art, while its stark aesthetic reflects the influence of punk zines and street signage.
The work emerged during a period of widespread public demonstrations in the United States, particularly around economic inequality and corporate influence. Peet’s use of animal imagery and direct text echoes earlier activist art, while its stark aesthetic reflects the influence of punk zines and street signage. It situates itself within a lineage of art that seeks to mobilize rather than merely observe.
Legacy
Untitled contributes to a broader body of contemporary prints that treat political messaging as a formal concern. Its inclusion in MoMA’s collection signals institutional recognition of graphic art as a legitimate vehicle for social commentary. The work continues to be referenced in discussions about the role of visual culture in civic engagement and protest.
Artist & collection
Artist
Roger Peet’s screenprints feel like quick, sharp snapshots in ink and color. In 2012 he made Untitled, one print from a set of thirty-one, each its own small story in flat, bright shapes. There’s no movement label…
