Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil drawing by Cheryl Goldsleger. It dates from 1997 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1997, this untitled work by Cheryl Goldsleger consists of wax, pigment and oil applied to paper. It is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and is presented as a square composition with a stark black field surrounding a lighter central square.
Subject & Meaning
At the heart of the piece lies an off‑white square bearing a black, maze‑like pattern of sinuous, interlacing curves. The design suggests a labyrinthine pathway, inviting contemplation of movement, depth and the tension between order and ambiguity.
Technique & Style
Goldsleger employs a combination of wax and oil pigments, allowing the black lines to glide smoothly across the paper while retaining a matte, velvety surface. The contrast between the deep black background and the subtle off‑white field emphasizes the precision of the curvilinear drawing.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in the late 1990s, a period when Goldsleger explored minimalist forms and experimental media. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, where it remains on view as an example of her early drawing practice.
Context
During the 1990s, artists increasingly investigated the boundaries between drawing and painting, often incorporating unconventional materials. Goldsleger’s use of wax alongside oil aligns with this broader trend, blurring the distinction between surface and line.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cheryl Goldsleger is an American artist and educator. She has resided in Athens, Georgia, since 1977.
