Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Barry Le Va. It dates from 1993 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1993, this drawing consists of pencil, ballpoint pen and ink applied to white paper.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1993, this drawing consists of pencil, ballpoint pen and ink applied to white paper. The composition is dominated by a network of irregular rectangles and linear elements that intersect, overlap and hover across the surface. The forms are rendered in varying line weights and ink densities, producing a visual rhythm that balances apparent disorder with a subtle structural order.
Subject & Meaning
The work does not depict recognizable objects; instead it explores the interaction of geometric shapes and gestural marks. By arranging boxes and lines in both stacked and isolated configurations, the piece invites contemplation of spatial relationships, tension, and the balance between precision and spontaneity, reflecting the artist’s interest in process and the materiality of drawing itself.
Technique & Style
Employing only basic drawing tools, the artist varies line thickness and allows ink to pool, creating areas of darker saturation alongside delicate pencil strokes. The uneven edges and occasional erasures suggest a rapid, iterative approach, while the overall composition maintains a disciplined geometry, characteristic of post‑studio practices that emphasize the act of making over representational content.
History & Provenance
The drawing was produced by Barry Le Va, an American artist known for his sculptural installations and process‑oriented work. After training on the West Coast, he established his career in New York City during the late 1960s avant‑garde scene. The piece entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of contemporary drawing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Barry Edward Le Va (December 28, 1941 – January 24, 2021) was an American sculptor and installation artist.
