Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by Rosemarie Trockel. It dates from 1989 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1989 by German artist Rosemarie Trockel, this work is catalogued as Untitled and belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. It consists of a book cover fashioned from a printed, laminated sheet, its surface bearing black stamped lettering and an adhesive binding that secures the piece as an object rather than a conventional drawing.
Subject & Meaning
The cover displays the phrase “Dolce Vita Activa” in uneven, hand‑stamped black letters, suggesting a playful intervention that blurs the line between text and visual form. The irregular sizing of the letters and the presence of a narrow strip of dark fabric attached to the left edge evoke the materiality of everyday book design while hinting at notions of active lifestyle and cultural reference.
Technique & Style
Trockel employs a combination of printing, lamination, and hand stamping to produce the stark white rectangle. The adhesive binding and the glued fabric strip function as both structural and aesthetic elements, emphasizing the work’s objecthood and its tactile qualities. The rough edges and flat presentation reinforce a minimalist, utilitarian aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Since its creation in 1989, the piece has been part of the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings. It was acquired directly from the artist’s estate, entering the museum’s collection as an example of Trockel’s practice of recontextualizing everyday printed materials into art objects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Rosemarie Trockel is a German conceptual artist. She has made drawings, paintings, sculptures, videos and installations, and has worked in mixed media. From 1985, she made pictures using knitting-machines. She is a…
