Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Jasper Johns. It dates from 2001 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2001, this aquatint print by Jasper Johns merges varied textures and forms into a single composition. The work resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, reflecting Johns’s ongoing engagement with printmaking toward the end of his career.
Subject & Meaning
The image juxtaposes a striped band reminiscent of fabric or wood, a central swirling motif contained within a square, and a diminutive photograph of two figures in historic attire. A geometric grid of sharp lines occupies the right side, while a smooth, curving surface dominates the lower half, suggesting a dialogue between memory and abstraction.
Technique & Style
Employing the aquatint process, Johns achieves a range of tonal variations that emphasize both gritty and fluid surfaces. The print’s layered textures echo his broader practice of combining everyday objects and visual fragments, aligning with his ties to abstract expressionism, Neo‑Dada, and pop art.
History & Provenance
Johns, born in 1930, emerged as a pivotal figure in post‑war American art. This particular work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, underscoring the institution’s commitment to documenting his contributions to contemporary printmaking.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jasper Johns (born May 15, 1930) is an American painter, sculptor, draftsman, and printmaker.
