Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Thomas Lenk. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Thomas Lenk’s 1967 screenprint, titled Untitled, is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work consists of two large, curved forms positioned in a corner of the composition, set against a stark white field. Within each curve a series of concentric circles transition from dark to light, producing a visual impression of depth despite the absence of representational subject matter.
Subject & Meaning
The piece explores the interplay of shape, color, and gradation to suggest three‑dimensional space through purely abstract means. By arranging the circles to fade upward, Lenk invites viewers to perceive a spatial recession, prompting contemplation of how simple geometric elements can generate the illusion of volume and distance without depicting any recognizable objects.
Technique & Style
Executed as a screenprint, the work relies on crisp, clean lines and flat areas of black and gray. The overlapping circles are rendered with a smooth tonal shift, achieved through careful layering of ink during the printing process. The minimalist palette and precise geometry reflect the artist’s interest in formal abstraction and the capabilities of print media.
History & Provenance
Created in 1967, the screenprint entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings as part of its mid‑century modern acquisitions. Its presence in the museum’s collection underscores MoMA’s commitment to documenting experimental print practices and the development of abstract visual language during the 1960s.
Artist & collection
