Titled Untitled

Titled Untitled features twenty-five works that all share a common title but vary dramatically in intent, style, and materiality. The exhibition explores the diverse ways in which artists, historical and contemporary, have rendered art works that are Untitled and what messages, named or not, are revealed to the viewer.

Why do artists “untitle” their works when it is clear that significant effort has been invested in the creative and expressive process? Is it the responsibility of the artist to articulate the meaning of their work through its title? Arbitrary or not, an untitled art work provides an opportunity for the viewer to interact with the work on their own terms. Unguided by a narrative title, the viewer becomes an active participant in the experience and interpretation of an untitled art work.

Titled Untitled features paintings, drawings, and prints by the following artists: Syollie Amituk, Cathy Daley, Louis de Niverville, Robert Flack, Adolf Gottlieb, David Harper, John Heward, Kiakshuk, John Kissick, James Lahey, Ray Mead, Zhou Nan, Nick Ostoff, Charles Playfair, Don Russell, Susan Schelle, Tony Scherman, and Brian D. Tripp. Artworks selected from the Art Gallery of Guelph and University of Guelph collections.