Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an oil drawing by Dan McCarthy. It dates from 1993 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Dan McCarthy’s untitled work, executed in 1993, is a paper-based composition that combines carbon paper transfer, watercolor, oil paint, and pencil. The convergence of these media produces a layered surface where translucent washes intersect with opaque pigment and drawn lines, generating a subtle sense of depth despite its modest scale. The piece is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a mixed-media approach, beginning with carbon paper impressions that establish a faint underlying image. Watercolor washes are then applied, allowing the paper’s texture to show through, followed by oil paint that adds richer, more saturated areas. Pencil marks intersect the painted zones, reinforcing line work and contributing to the overall tactile quality of the surface.
History & Provenance
Created in the early 1990s, the work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition shortly after its completion. Its presence in MoMA reflects the institution’s interest in experimental drawing practices of the period, situating McCarthy’s piece among other works that explore the boundaries between drawing and painting.
Artist & collection
