Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Dieter Roth, graphite, 1974
Untitled, by Dieter Roth, graphite, 1974

Untitled is a graphite drawing by Dieter Roth. It dates from 1974 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1974 drawing by Swiss artist Dieter Roth, is executed in pencil and ink on paper. Characterized by dense, tangled lines, the work blurs form and motion. Now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, it exemplifies Roth's eclectic practice spanning various media.

Subject & Meaning

At its core, the drawing appears to depict a face, albeit obscured by overwhelming line work. A hat and hood are discernible, yet their definition is lost amidst thick, overlapping pencil strokes, suggesting a deliberate subversion of clear representation.

Technique & Style

Roth employed rapid, messy pencil strokes and ink to fill the page, creating a sense of dynamic energy. The dense, unbounded lines evoke a state of constant motion, making it challenging to distinguish between individual shapes and forms.

History & Provenance

Created in 1974, the drawing is now held in the permanent collection of The Museum of Modern Art, reflecting its significance within Roth's oeuvre and modern art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Dieter Roth

Artist

Dieter Roth

Dieter Roth (April 21, 1930 – June 5, 1998) was a Swiss artist known for his artist's books, editioned prints, sculptures, and works made of found materials, including rotting food stuffs. He was also known as Dieter Rot and Diter Rot.

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