Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Dennis Hopper. It dates from 1997 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a black‑and‑white offset lithograph produced in 1997 by the American artist Dennis Hopper. The work forms part of a larger portfolio that includes three lithographs alongside a variety of other print media. It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed among Hopper’s later print experiments.
Subject & Meaning
The composition suggests a moment of quiet camaraderie, inviting viewers to consider the nuances of everyday social interaction.
The image depicts four men gathered closely, each dressed in shirts and ties, yet the atmosphere is informal. One figure on the left smokes a cigarette with a loosened tie, another wears glasses and appears solemn, a third has sunglasses perched on his head, and the fourth looks away while smoking. The composition suggests a moment of quiet camaraderie, inviting viewers to consider the nuances of everyday social interaction.
Technique & Style
Created through offset lithography, the print reproduces a photographic source with stark tonal contrast. Hopper’s choice of monochrome emphasizes line and form over color, while the crisp rendering of facial features and clothing details reflects the precision possible in the lithographic process. The work sits alongside his experiments in etching, aquatint, screenprinting, digital printing, solar plate intaglio, and video transfer, illustrating his diverse engagement with print media.
History & Provenance
The lithograph was completed in the final decade of Hopper’s career, a period marked by prolific output in multiple print techniques. After its inclusion in the original portfolio, the piece entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it has remained, providing insight into Hopper’s late‑stage artistic concerns and his interest in the reproducibility of photographic imagery.
Context
Produced during the late 1990s, the work reflects a broader resurgence of interest in analog print processes among contemporary artists. Hopper, better known for his film work, applied his cinematic eye to still images, translating a candid photograph into a fine‑art print. The piece aligns with a trend of artists re‑examining everyday scenes through the lens of high‑contrast black‑and‑white photography, bridging popular culture and fine art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Dennis Lee Hopper was an American actor, filmmaker, photographer and visual artist.
