Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Gary Batty, graphite, 2003
Untitled, by Gary Batty, graphite, 2003

Untitled is a graphite drawing by Gary Batty. It dates from 2003 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 2003 by American artist Gary Batty, this untitled drawing is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Executed solely with graphite, the work measures modestly and is presented without a title, inviting viewers to focus on its formal qualities rather than a prescribed narrative.

Technique & Style

The surface is dominated by faint, irregular strokes that seem to dissolve into the paper’s texture. The marks are light and scratchy, forming an ambiguous network of lines and shapes that resist a single, identifiable subject. The paper’s edges show a yellowed, worn patina, suggesting frequent handling and a degree of material aging.

Context

Since its acquisition, the piece has been displayed within MoMA’s drawing and works on paper holdings, where it contributes to a broader survey of contemporary graphite practices. Its presence in the museum underscores the institution’s interest in documenting experimental, process-oriented approaches to drawing that emerged in the early twenty‑first century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gary Batty

Gary Batty (b. 1970) was an American artist.

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