Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an unspecified painting by the Art Informel artist Michel Parmentier. It dates from 1968 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
This painting shows a flat, matte-gray canvas covered in thin gray stripes. It looks simple but it’s not. Parmentier used industrial lacquer to make stripes that hide and reveal the surface underneath.
He wanted to break the rules of painting in 1968. He refused to paint for years after this piece, calling his own work too showy.
Look up Michel Parmentier to see more of his work.
Overview
Untitled is a 1968 abstract painting by Michel Parmentier, executed in lacquer on canvas. It is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a matte-gray canvas with thin, gray stripes. The subtle, layered effect created by the stripes engages the viewer with the surface underneath.
Technique & Style
Parmentier employed industrial lacquer to achieve a uniform, understated appearance. The use of this medium and the resulting visual effect reflect his interest in challenging traditional painting conventions.
Context
Created in 1968, Untitled was part of a broader movement to redefine the norms of painting. Parmentier's subsequent decision to abstain from painting for several years underscores his critical perspective on his own work and the art world.
Artist & collection
