Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Contemporary Realist artist Lynette Yiadom-Boakye. It dates from 2013 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a 2013 oil on canvas portrait by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, currently part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. The work presents a close-up depiction of a man's face set against a dark, shadowy background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, a man with intense, bright eyes, is rendered in a manner that conveys a sense of immediacy and presence. The slight catch of light on his iris and the overall lighting effect, achieved through chiaroscuro, draw the viewer's attention to his face, emphasizing his gaze.
Technique & Style
Characterized by thick, visible brushstrokes, particularly on the skin and hair, the painting exhibits a textured, almost unfinished quality. This deliberate choice lends the work a dynamic, alive feel. A subtle warm tone near the subject's ear provides a nuanced contrast to the predominantly dark browns and blacks.
History & Provenance
Created in 2013, the painting is now held in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art, reflecting its significance within contemporary art practices.
Context
The use of chiaroscuro, a technique with roots in Renaissance art, is reinterpreted here in a contemporary context, highlighting the artist's engagement with traditional methods to achieve modern expressive goals.
Legacy
As part of Yiadom-Boakye's oeuvre, Untitled contributes to the artist's exploration of portraiture, challenging traditional representations and emphasizing the emotional depth of the sitters through expressive, textured brushwork.
Artist & collection
Artist
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye is a British painter and writer of Ghanaian heritage. She is best known for her portraits of imaginary subjects, or ones derived from found objects, which are painted in muted colours. Her work has…
