Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Nicole Eisenman in 2014.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Contemporary Realism.

Artwork

Untitled

Nicole Eisenman , 2014

Untitled is an oil painting by the Contemporary Realist artist Nicole Eisenman. It dates from 2014 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 2014, this oil on canvas by Nicole Eisenman presents a large, stylized human face rendered in vivid, contrasting hues. The composition is divided vertically, with one half polished and the other textured, while a hand lifts a circular mirror that reflects the visage. A muted yellow sky and a blue, water‑like form occupy the background, framing the central figure.

Subject & Meaning

The work juxtaposes smooth and rough surfaces, suggesting a dialogue between refinement and rawness. The bold palette, green cheeks, blue nose, red mouth, creates a visual tension that resolves into a cohesive whole, inviting viewers to consider the interplay of surface, perception, and self‑reflection embodied by the mirror held aloft.

Technique & Style

Eisenman employs thick impasto on one side of the face, generating a tactile, uneven surface, while the opposite side is rendered with thin, even brushwork. The vivid, non‑naturalistic colors and flattened forms align with contemporary realism, emphasizing painterly materiality alongside a graphic, almost cartoonish representation.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art shortly after its completion, becoming part of the institution’s holdings of post‑2000 American art. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s ongoing commitment to documenting significant developments in contemporary painting.

Context

Eisenman, born in France in 1965 and based in the United States, has been recognized with honors such as the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Carnegie Prize, and has participated in several Whitney Biennial exhibitions. This piece exemplifies her engagement with figurative abstraction and her interest in the material qualities of paint.