Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Elizabeth Peyton. It dates from 1994 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1994, this pencil drawing on notebook paper depicts a solitary figure engaged in photography.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1994, this pencil drawing on notebook paper depicts a solitary figure engaged in photography. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it is catalogued without a formal title. Its modest dimensions and informal medium reflect a spontaneous approach to portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a man holding a camera to his face, his short, disheveled hair and plain white shirt suggesting an everyday, unglamorous scenario. The act of photographing oneself hints at themes of self‑observation and the mediated nature of identity, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between the observer and the observed.
Technique & Style
Rendered with graphite on notebook paper, the drawing relies on a limited palette of line and shading. Contrasting dark strokes behind the figure with lighter marks surrounding him generate a sense of depth and motion. The loose, gestural lines convey immediacy, while the focus on the camera emphasizes the object's significance within the scene.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced by American artist Elizabeth Peyton early in her career and entered MoMA’s collection shortly after its creation. It remains on view as an example of Peyton’s early figurative work, illustrating her interest in intimate, quickly executed portrait studies.
Artist & collection
Artist
Elizabeth Joy Peyton is an American contemporary artist working primarily in painting, drawing, and printmaking.
