Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by David Shrigley. It dates from 2000 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2000, this untitled etching by David Shrigley presents a stark black‑and‑white depiction of a densely packed forest.
Created in 2000, this untitled etching by David Shrigley presents a stark black‑and‑white depiction of a densely packed forest. Tall, slender trunks dominate the composition, while a meandering path snakes through the trees, leading the eye toward a diminutive stick‑figure figure positioned at the lower right edge. The overall atmosphere is one of quiet isolation, conveyed through the minimalistic line work.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays a solitary figure navigating a narrow trail amid an overwhelming mass of trees, suggesting themes of individual presence within a vast, perhaps indifferent, natural environment. The stark contrast between the figure’s simplicity and the crowded forest invites contemplation of human scale, vulnerability, and the search for direction in a seemingly endless landscape.
Technique & Style
Shrigley employed traditional intaglio etching, incising lines into a metal plate before inking the recessed areas and transferring the image onto paper. The resulting marks are crisp yet retain a slightly irregular quality, characteristic of hand‑drawn lines. The monochrome palette and sparse detailing reinforce the work’s minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing form over decorative embellishment.
History & Provenance
The piece entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art shortly after its creation, becoming part of MoMA’s holdings of contemporary printmaking. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s interest in documenting the work of artists who blend humor and conceptual rigor within a straightforward visual language.
Artist & collection
Artist
David John Shrigley is a British visual artist. He lived and worked in Glasgow, Scotland for 27 years before moving to Brighton, England in 2015. Shrigley first came to prominence in the 1990s for his distinct line…
