Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Emily Jacir. It dates from 2004 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Emily Jacir’s 2004 drawing consists of two sheets of white paper covered in pencil‑rendered text. The upper edge bears the word “RAMALLAH,” followed by a two‑column list of names in capital letters, some accompanied by brief annotations such as “CELL” or “HOME.” The work is presented without color or decorative elements, relying solely on the starkness of graphite to convey its content.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing functions as a textual register, evoking the idea of a roll call or census. The added notes beside certain entries hint at personal circumstances—imprisonment, displacement, or domestic settings—introducing a layer of ambiguity that invites viewers to contemplate the lives behind the names and the broader social or political contexts they may reference.
Technique & Style
Executed with graphite pencil, the piece employs a uniform hand‑written script that emphasizes legibility over artistic flourish. The absence of shading or cross‑hatching keeps the focus on the textual information, while the clean, linear arrangement underscores the bureaucratic aesthetic of official lists.
History & Provenance
Created in 2004, the drawing entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in contemporary works that engage with documentary practices and sociopolitical themes through minimal visual means.
Artist & collection
Artist
Emily Jacir (1970) is a Palestinian artist and filmmaker based in the Bethlehem, Palestine.
