Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Zachary Wollard. It dates from 2007 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, produced in 2007 by Zachary Wollard, is a mixed-media print that combines traditional etching with digital printing, embossing, and selective gold‑leaf application. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art and exemplifies a contemporary approach to printmaking that merges hand‑crafted and technological processes.
Subject & Meaning
The effect is visible all,” suggesting a contemplation of unseen forces and their observable outcomes.
The composition presents a surreal landscape where an elephant occupies the left foreground and a giraffe stands on the right, separated by a narrow, deep gorge. A waterfall cascades within the chasm, and diminutive human figures appear to ascend its flow. Above the scene a banner bears the phrase “The cause is hidden. The effect is visible all,” suggesting a contemplation of unseen forces and their observable outcomes.
Technique & Style
Wollard employs a layered method: a digital print forms the base image, over which an etched copper plate adds line work and texture. Embossing raises portions of the surface, giving tactile depth to the waterfall and banner. Gold leaf is applied selectively to highlight these elements, catching ambient light and creating a subtle reflective quality that contrasts with the matte tones of the print.
History & Provenance
Created in 2007, Untitled entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its completion, reflecting the institution’s interest in works that explore the intersection of analog and digital print techniques. The piece has been displayed in several MoMA exhibitions focusing on contemporary print media.
Context
The work aligns with a broader early‑21st‑century trend of artists revisiting traditional printmaking while incorporating digital tools and mixed media. Wollard’s use of gold leaf references historic illumination practices, while the surreal animal tableau engages with a lineage of fantastical narrative scenes in modern art.
Artist & collection
