Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Francis Alÿs. It is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. This drawing is a bird's-eye view of a hypothetical city, rendered in graphite and colored pencil on vellum.
About this work
Overview
This drawing is a bird's-eye view of a hypothetical city, rendered in graphite and colored pencil on vellum. The work is characterized by its delicate, unfinished appearance.
Subject & Meaning
The city is depicted as a grid of small buildings, punctuated by larger structures, with roads and a winding waterway. The drawing presents an idealized urban landscape, rather than a representation of a specific city.
Technique & Style
The artist employed fine lines, hatching, and cross-hatching to create depth and shading, achieving a sense of delicacy and fragility. The use of vellum as a support adds to the drawing's ethereal quality.
Artist & collection
Artist
Francis Alÿs is a Belgian-born, Mexico-based artist. He works across art, architecture, and social practice. In 1986, Alÿs left behind his profession as an architect and relocated to Mexico City, where he lives and works.
