Untitled
1983
gouache
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
1983
gouache
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
This painting looks messy on purpose. Thick black, white, and blue paint is slathered in clumps across the canvas, with bits of paper towels, rags, and even a metal dish stuck in. Some shapes almost look like faces or objects, but they’re hard to tell—the edges are uneven and the colors blend together. The artist mixed real materials into the paint, like scrap paper and fabric, making it feel rough and textured. It’s not smooth or polished at all. If you like this wild style, check out Franz West.