Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Beatrice Riese. It dates from 2001 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2001, this untitled work by Beatrice Riese is a drawing executed with ink and pencil on paper. The composition is rectangular and set against a light gray field, inviting quiet observation. The piece belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s holdings of contemporary drawing.
Technique & Style
Riese employs a disciplined cross‑hatching technique, layering ink and graphite to build tonal variation and texture. The intersecting strokes generate subtle gradations that suggest depth while maintaining a restrained visual vocabulary. The muted gray palette and careful modulation of line convey a sense of calm, emphasizing the drawing’s meditative quality without relying on bold gestures.
Subject & Meaning
The repetitive hatching invites prolonged viewing, encouraging the audience to contemplate the interplay of light and shadow within a seemingly simple field.
Absent an explicit narrative, the drawing focuses on formal concerns—line, surface, and tonal balance. The repetitive hatching invites prolonged viewing, encouraging the audience to contemplate the interplay of light and shadow within a seemingly simple field. This emphasis on process over representation aligns with Riese’s broader interest in the quiet potency of drawing as a contemplative medium.
History & Provenance
The work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s commitment to acquiring contemporary works on paper. Its accession underscores MoMA’s recognition of Riese’s contribution to early‑21st‑century drawing practices, and the piece remains part of the museum’s public holdings, accessible for study and exhibition.
Artist & collection
