Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Enrique Grau in 1972.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Enrique Grau (1972) · Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Created in 1972, this screenprint belongs to a larger portfolio that combines ten intaglio plates, seven screenprints, three lithographs, and a single aquatint.

Created in 1972, this screenprint belongs to a larger portfolio that combines ten intaglio plates, seven screenprints, three lithographs, and a single aquatint. The work presents a solitary female figure rendered in profile, her hand poised near her mouth as if concealing a whisper. A decorative headscarf topped by an elaborate, swirling headdress frames her face, drawing attention to the interplay of line and surface.

Subject & Meaning

The image focuses on a woman whose gesture suggests secrecy or contemplation, a motif recurrent in the artist’s interest in Afro‑Colombian and indigenous identities. The ornate headdress, composed of intricate curls and patterns, evokes traditional ceremonial adornments, hinting at cultural narratives that remain partially hidden behind the figure’s closed lips.

Technique & Style

Executed as a screenprint, the piece balances bold, dark outlines with finer, sketch‑like strokes, creating a dynamic contrast between solidity and spontaneity. Varied line weights convey texture: thick contours define the silhouette, while delicate lines suggest the lace‑like quality of the headdress. Subtle tonal shading adds depth to the skin and fabric, reinforcing the work’s mixed‑media sensibility.

History & Provenance

The print is part of a portfolio assembled by Colombian artist Enrique Grau, a leading figure of the twentieth‑century Colombian art scene alongside Fernando Botero and Alejandro Obregón. The series reflects Grau’s ongoing exploration of cultural hybridity and his commitment to printmaking as a vehicle for disseminating his visual investigations.