Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Anne Chu. It dates from 1999 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1999, this untitled watercolor on paper belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Although Anne Chu is chiefly recognized for three‑dimensional works that combine fabric, metal, porcelain and other materials, this piece demonstrates her engagement with two‑dimensional media, offering a brief, gestural glimpse into her broader artistic concerns.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a dominant, loosely rendered tree that occupies most of the surface, its mass suggested by irregular, sweeping strokes. Two diminutive, darkened figures appear at the left edge, their presence understated against the expansive arboreal form, hinting at a narrative of scale and perhaps the relationship between humanity and nature.
Technique & Style
Executed with watercolor, the work relies on flat, vivid hues of green, blue and brown applied in rapid, uneven washes. The brushwork is intentionally sketchy, leaving edges indistinct and forms blurred, which conveys a sense of immediacy and spontaneity rather than meticulous finish. The texture emphasizes gesture over detail.
History & Provenance
The piece entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, becoming part of the institution’s representation of late‑20th‑century American art. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in documenting the diverse practices of artists known primarily for sculpture who also explored drawing and painting.
Context
During the late 1990s, many artists expanded beyond their primary mediums, experimenting with drawing and painting to explore ideas that might not translate directly into sculpture. Chu’s watercolor aligns with this trend, offering a two‑dimensional counterpart to the tactile, material investigations evident in her sculptural oeuvre.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anne Chu (1959 – July 25, 2016) was an American sculptor. She created mixed-media sculptures, working in fabric, leather, metal, porcelian, resin, and wood. Her work has been exhibited at the Berkeley Art Museum, the…
