“Untitled (Cup)” is a still life artwork by Philip Guston, created approximately between 1969 and 1973. Falling under the Neo-Expressionism movement, this piece exemplifies Guston’s artistic exploration during this period.
The artwork portrays a cup rendered with thick, impasto brushstrokes, predominantly in hues of red, black, and gray. The bold, unrefined lines and the use of a limited color palette contribute to a raw, almost visceral quality. The brushwork is vigorous, with the paint applied in a way that emphasizes texture and physicality. This approach not only evokes a sense of immediacy but also imbues the seemingly simple subject of a cup with a deeper, more complex emotional resonance. Guston’s work in this period often challenges traditional notions of form and composition, reflecting a departure from his earlier abstract expressionist style towards a more figurative and expressive manner.
