Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Cui Jie in 2020.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Contemporary Abstract.

Artwork

Untitled

Cui Jie , 2020

Untitled is an acrylic painting by the Contemporary Abstract artist Cui Jie. It dates from 2020 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, an abstract work executed in acrylic on canvas in 2020, belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The piece presents a towering, geometrically rendered structure rendered in vivid blues, greens and golds, set against a dark field. Its composition combines sharp angular forms with luminous elements, creating a striking visual contrast.

Subject & Meaning

The central motif resembles a skyscraper crowned by a glowing orb, while swirling shapes and a crescent‑moon symbol occupy the middle ground. The juxtaposition of modern architectural language with symbolic iconography suggests a dialogue between contemporary urbanity and timeless celestial references, inviting viewers to contemplate the convergence of technology and myth.

Technique & Style

Cui Jie employs bold, intersecting lines and layered planes to generate depth, allowing portions of the structure to appear internally illuminated. The acrylic medium facilitates saturated color fields and sharp edges, while overlapping shapes produce a dynamic sense of movement across the canvas.

History & Provenance

Created in 2020, the painting entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its completion, becoming part of the institution’s representation of early‑21st‑century abstract painting. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in artists who explore the intersection of architectural form and abstract symbolism.

Context

The work aligns with a broader trend among contemporary painters who integrate urban motifs with abstract visual language. By referencing skyscrapers, a hallmark of modern cityscapes, Cui Jie situates the piece within ongoing conversations about the impact of rapid urban development on cultural and artistic expression.

Legacy

While still a recent addition to the museum’s collection, Untitled contributes to Cui Jie’s reputation for bold, layered compositions that fuse architectural precision with expressive abstraction, reinforcing the artist’s role in shaping current dialogues around form, color, and symbolic content.