UntitledMario Merz · 1998

  • Art movementArte Povera
  • Creation date1998
  • MuseumMagazzino Italian Art
During the 1980s, Mario Merz created large-scale works on paper that blur the boundaries between painting and drawing. The animal imagery in Merz’s work forms a contemporary bestiary, imbued with symbolic meanings. In this drawing, the shape of the animal is cut out on black paper and attached to the translucent Folex. Numbers from the Fibonacci sequence appear in blue neon. Light is a flow of vital energy for Merz. It spreads from inside to outside and from object to painting in a continuous metamorphosis. This metamorphosis is in turn linked to the Fibonacci sequence—a sequence in which each number is the sum of the two numbers that precede it. The series often refers to growth in nature. The numbers from the sequence that appear on the animal follow a circular path that traverses the animal and emanates energy onto it.

Mario Merz (1925 – 2003)

Discover Mario Merz (1925-2003), a key figure of Arte Povera. Explore his innovative use of neon, Fibonacci sequences, and iconic igloo structures that blend art, science & nature.

Magazzino Italian Art (Cold Spring, United States of America)

Discover Postwar & Contemporary Italian art at Magazzino Art! Explore Arte Povera, Murano glass, and innovative architecture in Hudson Valley's unique museum experience.

About this artwork

  • Title: Untitled
  • Artist: Mario Merz
  • Year: 1998
  • Format: Landscape
  • Copyright status: Under copyright
  • Where to see it: Magazzino Italian Art
  • Movement: Arte Povera
  • Creative period: Late Period
  • Color palette: Neutrals
  • Keywords: geometric artwork, light and shadow art, symbolic animal art

Questions & Answers

How does "Untitled" by Mario Merz connect Arte Povera to the artist's home country?

"Untitled" connects the Arte Povera movement with Italy through its creator's birthplace.

Do the colors of "Untitled" appear strong or soft?

The colors in "Untitled" by Mario Merz have a monochromatic intensity.

At what age did Mario Merz make "Untitled"?

Mario Merz made "Untitled" at the age of 73. The artist was born in 1925 and the work is dated 1998.

When was "Untitled" made?

The creation of "Untitled" by Mario Merz is dated 1998.

What is "Untitled" about?

The subjects of "Untitled" are animal symbolism, fibonacci sequence, neon art, digital elements, abstract horse, light & energy, modern drawing, symbolic imagery.

Does "Untitled" show strong light-dark contrasts?

The light-dark contrast of "Untitled" is recorded as bold. Contrast describes how strongly light and dark areas differ.

Who is the artist behind "Untitled"?

"Untitled" was created by Mario Merz. The information on this page describes Mario Merz's original work.

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