Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Xu Bing in 2020.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Xu Bing (2020) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Created in 2020, this untitled work by Chinese artist Xu Bing is a lithographic print that incorporates relief elements. It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The composition consists of stark black characters set against a pale, smooth paper, organized in four horizontal rows and punctuated by small red marks.

Subject & Meaning

The black glyphs convey the phrase “Art For The People” in both Chinese characters and their English translation, linking linguistic systems across cultures. The juxtaposition of the two languages suggests a dialogue about accessibility and public engagement with art, while the minimalist palette emphasizes the textual content over decorative detail.

Technique & Style

The piece combines traditional lithography with a relief printing process, allowing the artist to vary line weight from bold to delicate within each line. The red stamps, likely applied as a separate impression, add a contrasting accent and may function as a personal signature or a visual counterpoint to the monochrome text.

History & Provenance

After its completion in 2020, the work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it has been displayed as part of exhibitions exploring contemporary printmaking and cross-cultural communication. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in works that interrogate language and visual form.

Context

Xu Bing is known for projects that interrogate the relationship between text and image, often employing Chinese calligraphic traditions in unconventional ways. This print continues that trajectory, situating the artist’s exploration of script within a modern, abstract visual language that resonates with broader discussions about the role of art in public discourse.