Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Frédéric Bruly Bouabré. It dates from 1989 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1989 drawing by Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, is a mixed-media work on board combining colored pencil and ballpoint pen. It is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts three enigmatic, tall figures standing in unison. The left figure resembles a segmented, flat-headed creature, possibly a caterpillar. The two right figures are constructed from stacked, log-like elements topped with round, ambiguous forms that could represent heads or bundled objects. Their meanings and relationships are left open to interpretation.
Technique & Style
Bouabré employed colored pencil for expressive lines and shapes, while ballpoint pen added finer details. A light blue wash serves as the background, contrasted by a bold red border. Scribbled, French text surrounds the frame, appearing to label the figures though the handwriting is difficult to decipher.
History & Provenance
Created in 1989, the work is currently held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, though specific acquisition details are not provided here.
Context
This piece reflects Bouabré's inclination towards symbolic, often surreal, compositions. The use of everyday materials (colored pencil and ballpoint pen) on board underscores a democratization of art-making materials, characteristic of late 20th-century practices.
Legacy
As part of Bouabré's oeuvre, 'Untitled' contributes to the artist's exploration of the human form and symbolism, inviting viewers to ponder the identities and connections between the depicted figures. It stands as an example of his unique blend of the bizarre and the intriguing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frédéric Bruly Bouabré (1923–2014) was an Ivorian artist, born in Idibouo-Zépréguhé.
