Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Christian Holstad. It dates from 1997 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1997, this pencil drawing on a newspaper sheet is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1997, this pencil drawing on a newspaper sheet is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work, titled Untitled, presents a loosely rendered human figure against a backdrop of faded print, merging the immediacy of sketch with the texture of a discarded page.
Subject & Meaning
The image shows a torso‑length figure, head tipped to one side and eyes closed, rendered in a sketchy, expressive manner. The juxtaposition of the intimate, gestural portrait with the impersonal, printed surface suggests a dialogue between personal identity and the mass‑produced media that surrounds it.
Technique & Style
Holstad employs graphite to outline and shade the figure, allowing pencil marks and smudges to remain visible. The drawing’s loose, bold lines and cross‑hatching create a sense of volume, while the partially erased newspaper provides a gritty, informal context that contrasts with the traditional drawing technique.
History & Provenance
American artist Christian Holstad, born in 1972 and educated at the Kansas City Art Institute (BFA, 1994), produced this work while based in Brooklyn. It entered MoMA’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in contemporary practices that blend drawing with found materials.
Artist & collection
Artist
Christian Holstad (born 1972) is an American contemporary artist based in Brooklyn, New York City. He received his BFA at the Kansas City Art Institute in 1994.
