Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Urs Lüthi in 1989.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Museum of Modern Art.

Untitled by Urs Lüthi (1989) · Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1989 print by Swiss conceptual artist Urs Lüthi, combines photogravure, aquatint, and screenprint techniques across three sheets. The work features a dark, blurry figure set against a black background, with the bold, block-lettered word 'SPIRIT' beneath the image.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Untitled appears as a shadowy, indistinct human form, evoking a sense of ambiguity and elusiveness. The accompanying text 'SPIRIT' suggests an exploration of the intangible or the sublime, characteristic of Lüthi’s use of the body as a vehicle for conceptual inquiry.

Technique & Style

Lüthi’s multi-technique approach (photogravure, aquatint, screenprint) achieves a distinctive, ghostly visual effect. The blended methods create a soft, blurry rendition of the figure, contrasting with the sharp, bold typography of 'SPIRIT', emphasizing the dichotomy between the ephemeral and the declarative.

History & Provenance

Created in 1989, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Lüthi’s career spanned various media and included teaching positions, notably at a university in Kassel, Germany, and recognition with the Arnold Bode Award in 2009.

Context

Lüthi’s work, including Untitled, reflects his conceptual approach, often incorporating the body and alter egos. The piece’s use of chiaroscuro-like contrasts (though achieved through printing techniques) nods to artistic traditions of using light and darkness for expressive depth.

Legacy

As part of MoMA’s collection and given Lüthi’s recognized career in conceptual art, Untitled contributes to the broader discourse on the body’s representation in late 20th-century art, alongside Lüthi’s exploration of identity and the intangible.