Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Steve Poleskie. It dates from 1965 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1965, this screenprint by American artist Steve Poleskie presents a tranquil, abstracted landscape within a dominant circular format. The composition balances muted grays with a deep blue field and a stark white band, while a dark gray silhouette suggests a distant horizon. The work’s restrained palette and clean geometry convey a sense of equilibrium and visual cohesion.
Subject & Meaning
The image abstracts natural elements into simplified forms: a central circle divided horizontally, a dark gray band evoking a mountain ridge or forest line, and a contrasting blue lower section that may imply water or sky. The arrangement invites contemplation of space and depth, emphasizing calm through minimal detail and balanced color fields.
Technique & Style
Executed as a screenprint, the piece utilizes flat areas of color and sharp edges characteristic of mid‑1960s printmaking. Poleskie’s approach emphasizes bold, unmodulated hues and precise line work, reflecting the graphic clarity typical of his broader practice across print, performance, and writing.
History & Provenance
The print was produced during Poleskie’s active period as founder of Chiron Press in New York City, a workshop that supported collaborations with leading contemporary artists. It entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of post‑war American prints.
Context
Poleskie’s career spanned printmaking, performance, and academia; after establishing Chiron Press, he taught at Cornell University and developed the interdisciplinary “Aerial Theater” project. This work reflects his interest in merging visual simplicity with conceptual depth, aligning with the experimental art climate of the 1960s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Steve Poleskie (born Stephen Francis Poleskie; June 3, 1938 – December 21, 2019) was an American artist, printmaker, aerobatic pilot, performance artist, and writer.
