Untitled (Large Anxious Red), 2021

Rashid Johnson has established himself as one of the most significant voices in contemporary art, creating works that explore themes of identity, anxiety, belonging, and the emotional realities of modern life. Working across painting, sculpture, installation, film, and printmaking, Johnson draws from a wide range of cultural and intellectual influences to create deeply personal yet universally resonant imagery. Central to his practice is the *Anxious Men* series, an ongoing body of work featuring expressive, mask-like faces that serve as visual manifestations of psychological tension and human vulnerability. Through these dynamic portraits, Johnson captures the complexities of contemporary existence while inviting viewers to reflect on their own emotional experiences.

Created in 2021, *Untitled (Large Anxious Red)* is a powerful example of the artist’s celebrated *Anxious Men* series. Executed as a silkscreen with hand-applied pigment, the work combines the graphic immediacy of printmaking with the unique, tactile qualities introduced through manual intervention. The composition is dominated by a vivid red ground that amplifies the emotional intensity of the image, while the boldly drawn facial features—constructed from energetic black lines and expressive gestures—convey a sense of urgency, introspection, and resilience. Measuring an impressive 48 x 36 inches and signed and numbered from an edition of 51, the work possesses a commanding physical presence that mirrors its psychological impact. As both a portrait of contemporary anxiety and a testament to shared human emotion, *Untitled (Large Anxious Red)* exemplifies Johnson’s ability to transform deeply personal themes into images of broad cultural significance.