Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Ryan Sullivan. It dates from 2013 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 2013 painting by Ryan Sullivan, combines latex, synthetic polymer paint, enamel, and lacquer on canvas. The work features a textured, uneven surface with a partially submerged face, characterized by a pale greenish-gray hue and minimal facial features.
Subject & Meaning
The subject appears to be a struggle for emergence, as a face with faint eyes and mouth is half-buried in a chaotic, layered background. The face's muted color contrasts with the vibrant, clashing tones of the surrounding 'wall', drawing attention to its partial concealment.
Technique & Style
Sullivan employed thick, heavy brushstrokes or possibly trowel applications, resulting in a prominent impasto effect. The paint's textured, three-dimensional quality is accentuated by visible scrapes and scratches, contributing to an overall sense of rawness and incompleteness.
History & Provenance
Created in 2013, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Context
The work's emphasis on texture and expressive brushwork aligns with traditions of impasto painting, which prioritizes the physicality of paint application.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ryan Geoffrey Sullivan is a former Australian international motorcycle speedway rider who has won the Australian Solo Championship, Australian Under-21 Speedway Championship, and Under-16 championships during his career.
