Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Ynez Johnston. It dates from 1970 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
The work presents a vivid, abstract composition dominated by large orange forms outlined in purple, intersected by stark white lines.
Created in 1970, this untitled lithograph by Ynez Johnston belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The work presents a vivid, abstract composition dominated by large orange forms outlined in purple, intersected by stark white lines. A flat green field serves as background, punctuated by scattered red dots, while the overall arrangement suggests an assemblage of architectural and figurative hints.
Subject & Meaning
The image does not depict a recognizable scene; instead it juxtaposes geometric blobs, curvilinear squiggles, and ambiguous silhouettes that can be read as buildings, faces, or abstract symbols. This ambiguity invites viewers to construct their own narratives, interpreting the bold color contrasts and fragmented forms as a visual puzzle that balances playfulness with a sense of structural tension.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithograph, the piece relies on the stone‑based printing process that allows for flat, saturated color areas and crisp line work. Johnston’s use of sharp outlines and uniform color planes highlights the medium’s capacity for graphic precision, while the layering of hues creates a dynamic, almost tactile surface despite the work’s two‑dimensional nature.
History & Provenance
The lithograph entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in contemporary printmaking of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Its acquisition underscores Johnston’s active participation in the American art scene during that period, particularly her exploration of bold abstraction through print media.
Context
Produced during a time when many artists were experimenting with color field and hard‑edge abstraction, Johnston’s work aligns with broader trends that emphasized flat color fields and graphic clarity. The piece also resonates with the era’s fascination with urban motifs and the deconstruction of recognizable forms into abstracted visual language.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ynez Johnston was an American painter, sculptor, printmaker, and educator. Known for her work in painting, printmaking, and mixed media, Johnston was particularly inspired by Byzantine art, as well as Tibetan, Indian,…
