Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint print by James Henderson Boyd. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1964, this untitled work by James Henderson Boyd is a color monoprint derived from a metal collage. It is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The composition features two abstracted human silhouettes set against a deep blue field, each rendered with a weathered, fabric‑like texture that suggests repurposed material.
Subject & Meaning
The piece presents two cut‑out figures whose simplified forms hint at everyday presence. One figure bears a yellow rectangular element resembling a necktie, while the other clutches a red square that may evoke a flag or handkerchief. The juxtaposition of muted, stained tones with vivid accents invites contemplation of identity and the remnants of ordinary objects.
Technique & Style
Boyd employed a monoprint process that begins with a collage assembled on metal, then transferred to paper in color. The resulting surface retains the tactile qualities of the original cut‑outs, showing frayed edges, faded hues, and occasional stains. This method blurs the line between printmaking and assemblage, emphasizing texture and the physicality of the materials.
History & Provenance
The work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in mid‑century experimental printmaking. It remains catalogued under the artist’s signature in the lower corner, with no formal title assigned, underscoring the work’s open‑ended interpretive potential.
Artist & collection
