Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by John Shaw. It dates from 1983 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
John Shaw’s 1983 linoleum cut, catalogued simply as Untitled, is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work is a black‑and‑white print that presents a compact scene with two human figures rendered in stark contrast against a largely dark background.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a seated figure, head bowed, on a bench, while a second individual stands nearby, hat tipped and hands clasped around an unseen object. The minimal narrative invites viewers to contemplate a moment of quiet interaction or contemplation, leaving the relationship between the figures open to interpretation.
Technique & Style
Shaw employed a linoleum block carving process that mimics the boldness of traditional woodcuts. The artist cut away negative space to produce thick, unmodulated lines and flat geometric shapes, eliminating gradations of tone. This approach emphasizes graphic clarity and reinforces the work’s stark, graphic aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created in 1983, the untitled print entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings as part of its contemporary print collection. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in mid‑late‑20th‑century printmaking practices and the artist’s exploration of simplified visual storytelling through cut‑out forms.
Artist & collection
