Untitled 1972

Adolph Gottlieb created this untitled print using etching and aquatint, techniques that allow for rich textures and tonal variations. The composition is divided into two distinct zones, a celestial orb and a terrestrial splatter. The upper portion is dominated by a vibrant yellow circle, outlined in black, floating against a muted grey background. This stark contrast immediately draws the eye, creating a focal point that feels both luminous and self-contained. Below, a chaotic array of black ink splatters suggests a world in disarray or perhaps the raw energy of creation. The sharp, angular shapes of the splatters create a sense of dynamism. Gottlieb, associated with the Abstract Expressionists, was deeply interested in Jungian psychology and primordial symbols. This work reflects that interest by simplifying forms to explore fundamental contrasts—light and dark, order and chaos, the cosmic and the earthly. Note how the formal arrangement invites us to contemplate the relationship between these opposing forces, without dictating a fixed interpretation. The print remains an open field for contemplation.