Untitled
1976
acrylic
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
1976
acrylic
From the collection of Museum of Modern Art
Dominant colour
Untitled is a 1976 acrylic by Jack Whitten, a abstract expressionism work, held at Museum of Modern Art.
This painting is a thick, messy swirl of colors. Dark blues and greens clash with bright yellows and reds, all mixed together in rough, uneven strokes. The brushwork is heavy, almost like the paint was scraped or slapped onto the canvas. There’s no clear shape or scene—just a chaotic tangle of color and texture. The paint itself is the star here. It’s built up in thick layers, giving it a bumpy, almost 3D look. Whitten used acrylic, which lets the paint stay thick and vibrant. This style makes the colors pop and feel alive, even when they’re all mixed up. Try looking up impasto next to see how artists use thick paint like this.
