Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a print by Shuzo Takiguchi. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1967, this lenticular print by Japanese artist Shuzo Takiguchi presents a close‑up portrait rendered in monochrome. The composition centers on a middle‑aged man with thick, greying hair and a composed, serious expression. A plain backdrop is interrupted on the right by the gold‑toned word “Selary,” repeated in a stacked, looping arrangement.
Subject & Meaning
The work isolates the sitter’s face, emphasizing the texture of hair and the subtle tension in his gaze, inviting contemplation of age and presence. The juxtaposition of the gold lettering introduces an ambiguous textual element that may suggest commercial or linguistic associations, contrasting the personal intimacy of the portrait with a broader, perhaps satirical, commentary.
Technique & Style
Takiguchi employed lenticular printing, a method that layers interlaced images beneath a ribbed plastic sheet, producing a slight visual shift as the viewer changes position. This creates a kinetic illusion of the face moving, adding a dynamic quality to an otherwise static, black‑and‑white image and highlighting the artist’s interest in perception and optical effects.
History & Provenance
The piece entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s ongoing commitment to representing mid‑20th‑century experimental print practices and the work of Japanese avant‑garde artists active during the post‑war period.
Artist & collection
