Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Abstract Expressionist artist Marwan. It dates from 1966 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1966, this oil on canvas work by Syrian-born artist Marwan Kassab-Bachi, known simply as Marwan, exemplifies his engagement with abstract expressionist language. The painting is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, reflecting the artist’s mature period after his studies in Germany and his subsequent career in Berlin.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a seated figure with a shaved head, dressed in a warm brown shirt against a vivid yellow backdrop. The face is rendered in a blend of pink, purple, and green tones, while the crossed arms and clasped hands suggest a contemplative, perhaps introspective posture, inviting viewers to consider inner emotional states.
Technique & Style
Marwan employs vigorous brushwork and a saturated palette, allowing color to convey motion and tension. The bold strokes and juxtaposition of contrasting hues generate a dynamic visual rhythm, while the abstracted rendering of the human form underscores the painter’s emphasis on expressive gesture over literal representation.
History & Provenance
Born in Damascus in 1934, Marwan studied at the Hochschule der Bildenden Künste Saar before establishing his practice in Berlin. He later assumed a full professorship there in 1980. The painting entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it remains displayed as a representative example of his mid‑career output.
Artist & collection
Artist
Marwan Kassab-Bachi (Arabic: مروان قصاب باشي; commonly known as Marwan; 1934–2016) was a Syrian painter.
