Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Mickalene Thomas. It dates from 2024 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 2024, this work is a screen‑printed image enhanced by hand‑applied silver glitter.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2024, this work is a screen‑printed image enhanced by hand‑applied silver glitter. It presents three tightly framed, monochrome faces; the leftmost portrait is partially obscured by a gesturing hand, while the other two gaze forward with solemn expressions. The surface bears a coarse, newspaper‑like texture, punctuated by the reflective sparkle of the glittered hand.
Subject & Meaning
The composition juxtaposes intimate portraiture with a gestural element, inviting reflection on identity and presence. The stark black‑and‑white rendering emphasizes facial features, while the glittered hand introduces a tactile, luminous counterpoint, suggesting themes of visibility, performance, and the interplay between the ordinary and the ornamental.
Technique & Style
The piece employs traditional screen‑printing methods, producing a textured, grainy background reminiscent of printed press.
The piece employs traditional screen‑printing methods, producing a textured, grainy background reminiscent of printed press. After the print dried, the artist manually applied silver glitter to the hand, creating a contrast between the matte, rough surface and a localized burst of shine. This blend of mechanical reproduction and hand‑crafted embellishment aligns with the artist’s broader practice of merging fine‑art techniques with decorative motifs.
History & Provenance
The work belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it was acquired shortly after its completion. It reflects the artist’s ongoing engagement with contemporary visual culture, drawing on influences ranging from early 20th‑century avant‑garde movements to modern pop aesthetics, and continues to be exhibited as part of the museum’s focus on diverse contemporary voices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mickalene Thomas (born January 28, 1971) is an African-American contemporary visual artist best known as a painter of complex works using rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel.
