Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by David Budd. It dates from 1960 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1960 by American artist David Budd, this untitled drawing is executed in graphite on paper. The work forms part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑century abstract drawing. Its lack of a formal title invites viewers to focus on the material gestures rather than any narrative content.
Technique & Style
Budd employed a single graphite pencil, building the surface through overlapping strokes, cross‑hatching, and occasional smudges.
Budd employed a single graphite pencil, building the surface through overlapping strokes, cross‑hatching, and occasional smudges. The drawing relies on the contrast between densely layered dark areas and the untouched paper, creating a sense of depth without any pigment beyond the graphite itself. The rapid, gestural application suggests an immediacy of hand, characteristic of abstract expressionist drawing practices.
History & Provenance
After its completion in 1960, the drawing entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it has remained in the institution’s holdings. The acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in documenting the development of abstract drawing in the post‑war United States, and the piece continues to serve as a reference point for Budd’s early explorations in line and surface.
Artist & collection
