Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by Chris Finley. It dates from 2002 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2002 by Chris Finley, this untitled drawing is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. Executed on colored paper, the work combines charcoal and colored pencil, presenting a figure rendered in stark, gestural lines against a uniform light‑yellow background.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a solitary figure with arms lifted, hands clasping the head in a gesture that suggests either sudden pain or surprise. The hair is rendered in a disheveled manner, and the loosely draped dress appears heavy and rumpled, emphasizing a sense of tension or emotional upheaval.
Technique & Style
Finley employs a rough, sketch‑like approach, allowing charcoal and colored pencil to intersect in a loose, cross‑hatched network of lines. The warm tone of the paper enhances the contrast of the dark marks, while the minimal background keeps focus on the figure’s expressive posture.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, becoming part of the institution’s contemporary drawing collection. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s ongoing interest in early‑2000s experimental works that explore gesture and materiality.
Artist & collection
