Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Contemporary Realist artist Jordan Casteel. It dates from 2017 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2017, this oil on canvas work by American painter Jordan Casteel presents a quiet, seated duo against a textured brick backdrop. The composition balances two figures side by side, each rendered with distinct clothing and demeanor, while the wall behind them is covered with loosely drawn sketches of bodies, fabrics and tools, adding a layered visual narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures an intimate moment between two individuals, one dressed in a dark shirt emblazoned with a hopeful statement and vibrant patterned trousers, the other in a modest white robe accented by a yellow pendant. The contrast between the lively attire and the subdued figure invites contemplation of personal expression, community ties, and the varied ways people present themselves within shared spaces.
Technique & Style
The figures are rendered with careful attention to light and shadow, while the background’s sketchy marks are executed in a looser, almost gestural manner.
Casteel employs a realist approach, using thick oil strokes to convey the tactile qualities of fabric and skin. The figures are rendered with careful attention to light and shadow, while the background’s sketchy marks are executed in a looser, almost gestural manner. This juxtaposition of precise portraiture and informal drawing underscores the artist’s interest in both representation and the residue of everyday environments.
History & Provenance
The canvas entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art shortly after its completion, reflecting the institution’s commitment to contemporary realist painting. Since its acquisition, the work has been displayed in several exhibitions that explore modern portraiture and the social fabric of urban life, situating Casteel’s practice within a broader curatorial context.
Context
Casteel, born in 1989, frequently draws subjects from her immediate surroundings in Harlem and greater New York City, focusing on friends, family, and local residents. This piece continues that practice, offering a snapshot of everyday people while embedding personal slogans and decorative details that echo the vibrant, communicative culture of the neighborhoods she inhabits.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jordan Casteel (born 1989) is an American figurative painter. She typically paints portraits of friends and family members as well as neighbors and strangers in Harlem and New York. Casteel lives and works in New York City.
