Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Christopher Knowles, 1988
Untitled, by Christopher Knowles, 1988

Untitled is a drawing by Christopher Knowles. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, created by Christopher Knowles in 1988, is a drawing composed of typewritten text on Japanese paper, arranged in a grid pattern of small squares with alternating light pink type and blank spaces on a light gray background.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of Untitled is abstract, presenting a coded or puzzle-like arrangement of typewritten characters. The meaning is interpretative, potentially reflecting the artist's exploration of repetition, pattern, or communication through a unique, possibly cryptic, visual language.

Technique & Style

Knowles employed precise typewriting to create a grid of evenly spaced letters, some in light pink, on light gray Japanese paper. The style is characterized by meticulousness and a minimalist aesthetic, evoking a sense of secrecy or systematic coding.

History & Provenance

Created in 1988 by American artist Christopher Knowles (b. 1959, New York City), known for his poetry and painting. Knowles's work gained prominence with his poetry's inclusion in Robert Wilson's *Einstein on the Beach* (1976), in collaboration with Philip Glass.

Context

Untitled reflects the avant-garde and minimalist influences of its time, aligning with the experimental spirit of Knowles's early contributions to *Einstein on the Beach*. The piece may also subtly allude to the artist's personal experiences and perceptions.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of *Untitled* are not provided, Christopher Knowles's overall body of work continues to attract interest for its unique blend of poetry, visual art, and the intersection of autism with creative expression.

Artist & collection

Artist

Christopher Knowles

Christopher Knowles (born 1959) is an American poet and painter. He was born in New York City on May 4, 1959, and at an early age received a diagnosis of possible brain damage. He is often referred to as autistic. In…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.