Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Fairfield Porter, Philip Pearlstein, Robert Andrew Parker, Richard Lindner, Alex Katz, Philip Guston, Chaim Gross, Red Grooms, James Brooks, Jack Beal Various Artists. It dates from 1971 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Yet each chose to draw real things — like people or buildings — in their own style.
Ten different artists each made a lithograph for this 1971 print set. The images are all different — people, places, and scenes in simple, bold lines.
These artists worked at a time when bold abstract art was popular. Yet each chose to draw real things — like people or buildings — in their own style. One print might show a quiet room, another a busy street.
Lithography lets artists draw on stone or metal and print many copies. You can see how each artist used this method in their own way.
Look up lithography to see how it works.
Overview
Untitled is a 1971 portfolio consisting of ten lithographs created by twelve prominent artists. The collective work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
Despite the prevalence of abstract art during their time, each artist opted to depict recognizable subjects—people, places, and everyday scenes—interpreted through individual styles, ranging from serene interiors to bustling urban landscapes.
Technique & Style
The lithographs showcase diverse stylistic approaches to the medium, with each artist leveraging its capabilities—simple, bold lines being a common thread—to produce unique, representational images.
History & Provenance
Created in 1971, the portfolio is the work of twelve distinct artists, reflecting a moment in the art world where diverse styles coexisted. It is currently held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Context
Emerging amidst a dominant abstract art movement, this project highlights the artists' deliberate choice to engage with realism, each contributing their distinctive voice to the collective work.
Legacy
The portfolio demonstrates the versatility of lithography as an artistic medium and the enduring interest in representational art during a period of abstract dominance, influencing subsequent generations in exploring traditional techniques with contemporary themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Various Artists, Fairfield Porter, Philip Pearlstein, Robert Andrew Parker, Richard Lindner, Alex Katz, Philip Guston, Chaim Gross, Red Grooms, James Brooks, Jack Beal was an American artist.
