Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Maria Teresa Cuéllar Teyé in 1973.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Maria Teresa Cuéllar Teyé (1973)

About this work

Overview

It stands out for its tactile surface, where raised lines and ink interact with the paper’s texture, blurring the boundary between image and material.

Untitled is a 1973 engraving by Maria Teresa Cuéllar Teyé, part of a diverse portfolio combining multiple printmaking techniques. The work is held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. It stands out for its tactile surface, where raised lines and ink interact with the paper’s texture, blurring the boundary between image and material. The piece reflects the artist’s interest in physicality and imperfection within print media.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is a woman with disheveled hair obscuring her face, holding a cigarette and gazing slightly away. Subtle pink tones suggest faint color on her cheeks and lips, hinting at vulnerability or emotional presence. The torn, crumpled paper surrounding her implies disturbance or fragmentation. The image resists narrative clarity, instead evoking introspection, isolation, or the weight of internal experience.

Technique & Style

Executed in engraving, the work employs incised lines to create form and shadow, enhanced by selective embossing that lifts areas of the paper into relief. Ink is applied unevenly, emphasizing texture over precision. The integration of raised surfaces with inked contours gives the image a sculptural quality, as if the paper itself is shaped by the subject’s presence rather than merely depicting it.

History & Provenance

Created in 1973, Untitled belongs to a larger portfolio of 30 works spanning lithography, etching, linoleum cut, and other processes. The portfolio was assembled as a cohesive body of experimental prints, reflecting Cuéllar Teyé’s engagement with material experimentation during a period of heightened artistic inquiry in Latin America. It entered MoMA’s collection shortly after its completion.

Context

In the early 1970s, many Latin American artists turned to printmaking as a means of personal and political expression, often rejecting commercial aesthetics in favor of raw, intimate forms. Cuéllar Teyé’s work aligns with this trend, using fragmented imagery and tactile surfaces to convey psychological states. Her approach diverged from traditional print conventions, prioritizing emotional resonance over technical polish.

Legacy

Untitled exemplifies Cuéllar Teyé’s contribution to expanding the boundaries of printmaking through material innovation. Her integration of embossing and uneven ink application influenced later artists exploring the physicality of paper and surface. Though not widely exhibited, the work remains a significant example of 1970s Latin American printmaking that prioritized introspection and tactile experimentation.