Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Vern Blosum. It dates from 1962 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1962, this oil on canvas by Vern Blosum presents a single, everyday object rendered in an abstract manner. The composition centers on a parking meter, its form outlined in muted greys and whites against a uniform beige field. The work is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The painting isolates a municipal parking meter, complete with a red "TIME EXPIRED" placard and black numerals, stripping it of context and inviting contemplation of urban routine. By elevating a commonplace device to the status of fine art, the piece prompts reflection on the visual language of public infrastructure and the passage of time.
Technique & Style
Blosum employs a restrained palette, using layered oil washes to achieve subtle tonal variations across the meter’s surface. The brushwork is smooth, emphasizing flat planes rather than texture, while the stark contrast between the red sign and the neutral background heightens visual focus. The overall approach aligns with mid‑century abstract realism.
History & Provenance
After its completion in 1962, the canvas entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on display. The work has been referenced in several exhibitions exploring everyday objects in post‑war American art, though it has not been widely reproduced beyond museum catalogues.
Artist & collection
