Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Sarah Morris. It dates from 2001 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Bright flat colors—blue, purple, green, and orange—are contained within these shapes, set against a deep black field.
Created in 2001, this screenprint by Sarah Morris is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection. It presents a geometric composition built from intersecting black lines that divide the surface into angular forms. Bright flat colors—blue, purple, green, and orange—are contained within these shapes, set against a deep black field. The word 'CAPITAL' appears in stark white at the top, anchoring the abstract structure with a conceptual reference.
Subject & Meaning
The work evokes urban architecture through fragmented planes and rigid geometry, suggesting the structural logic of modern buildings. The title 'CAPITAL' implies a commentary on systems of power, finance, or urban development, though no literal imagery is present. The arrangement of forms resembles a deconstructed cityscape, inviting interpretation as a visual metaphor for institutional or economic frameworks rather than a literal depiction.
Technique & Style
Morris employed screenprinting to achieve crisp, uniform color fields and sharp linear boundaries. The precision of the edges and the flatness of the hues reflect a minimalist aesthetic influenced by industrial design and architectural drafting. The absence of gradients or texture emphasizes the artificiality of the composition, reinforcing its connection to man-made structures and systems rather than natural forms.
History & Provenance
This print was produced in 2001 and entered The Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly thereafter. It belongs to a series of works by Morris that explore the visual language of urban environments and institutional power. The piece has been exhibited in contexts focused on contemporary printmaking and the intersection of art with architecture, maintaining its association with the artist’s broader investigation into spatial and social order.
Context
Morris’s work from this period responds to late 20th-century interests in abstraction as a tool for examining social structures. Her use of geometric forms aligns with movements like Constructivism and De Stijl, but with a contemporary focus on corporate and urban environments. The stark palette and typographic element reflect a dialogue with graphic design, advertising, and the visual culture of global cities.
Legacy
This print exemplifies Morris’s ongoing exploration of how visual form can encode systems of control and modernity. It has contributed to discussions about abstraction’s role in critiquing institutional power, influencing later artists who use geometry to interrogate architecture and capital. Its inclusion in MoMA’s collection affirms its place within a broader narrative of contemporary printmaking and conceptual design.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sarah Morris is an American and British artist. She lives in New York City in the United States.
