Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil painting by the Art Informel artist Willi Baumeister. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a 1920 painting by Willi Baumeister, a German artist with diverse creative pursuits. It is executed in oil and sand on canvas.
Technique & Style
The painting combines textured, rough areas with sharp, clean shapes, achieved through the use of oil paint mixed with sand. This technique creates a gritty, uneven surface, contrasting with the smooth edges of the abstract forms.
Subject & Meaning
The work features a mix of abstract shapes, including a prominent red circle, a blue rectangle, and a wavy black line, set against a beige and gray background. These forms may be precursors to Baumeister's later use of organic shapes and prehistoric art-inspired symbols.
History & Provenance
Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. It is associated with the art informel movement, characterized by spontaneous, abstract forms.
Artist & collection
Artist
Willi Baumeister (22 January 1889 – 31 August 1955) was a German painter, scenic designer, art professor, and typographer.
