Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Alex Katz. It dates from 2004 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2004, this untitled work by Alex Katz is a screenprint executed on an aluminum substrate. The piece belongs to the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and exemplifies Katz’s interest in graphic clarity and reduced form. Its composition centers on a stark, monochrome portrait that is punctuated by a vivid red tongue, giving the image a striking visual contrast.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a stylized head rendered in black and white, featuring a voluminous, unkempt beard and a pair of abstract wings extending from the sides. The exaggerated facial features and the bright tongue suggest a playful, almost caricatured presence rather than a literal animal, inviting viewers to consider the boundary between figure and symbol.
Technique & Style
Katz employed screenprinting to transfer bold, flat shapes onto the metal surface, using crisp, decisive lines that define the contours of the face and its accessories. The aluminum base contributes a reflective quality, while the cut‑out silhouette with sharp edges reinforces the work’s graphic, two‑dimensional aesthetic, characteristic of Katz’s flat‑style approach.
History & Provenance
Since its completion in 2004, the print has been part of the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it is displayed among other works that explore the intersection of painting and printmaking. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s ongoing commitment to documenting contemporary artists who employ straightforward visual language to explore complex subjects.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alex Katz is an American figurative artist known for his paintings, sculptures, and prints.
