Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Charmion von Wiegand in 1960.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Abstract Expressionism.

Artwork

Untitled

Charmion von Wiegand , 1960

Untitled is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Charmion von Wiegand. It dates from 1960 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1960 oil on canvas painting by Charmion von Wiegand, exemplifies the abstract expressionist movement. Characterized by sharp lines, bright colors, and geometric forms, the work is distinguished by its composition of large blocks of white, blue, and gray, punctuated by smaller, vibrant squares of red, yellow, and black.

Subject & Meaning

The painting's subject is purely geometric abstraction, eschewing representational elements like faces or landscapes. The arrangement of shapes and colors suggests a puzzle-like composition, with certain lines evoking the suggestion of framed openings (e.g., windows or doors), though without narrative or figurative intent.

Technique & Style

Von Wiegand employed thick, unblended oil paints to create flat, clean colors that sit distinctively alongside one another. The varying paint thickness accentuates edge definitions, contributing to the work's dynamic, puzzle-like visual effect.

History & Provenance

Created in 1960 by Charmion von Wiegand, an American artist and critic, the painting is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Von Wiegand's background, as the daughter of an artist and a journalist, influenced her dual contributions to modern art as both a painter and a writer.

Context

Within the abstract expressionist movement, Untitled reflects the era's emphasis on expressive, non-representational art. Its geometric emphasis and color placement differentiate it from more gestural or action-oriented works within the same movement.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this piece are not highlighted, its presence in MoMA's collection underscores its recognition within the broader context of American abstract expressionism of the 1960s.