Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a pastel drawing by Gary Simmons. It dates from 2000 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2000, this untitled work by Gary Simmons is a drawing executed with white pigment and pastel on a panel primed with blackboard paint. The composition features a large, swirling floral form that dominates the surface, set against a deep gray backdrop. The piece is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The central motif is an expansive white flower composed of densely packed, fuzzy petals that radiate outward in soft, undulating lines. The contrast between the luminous bloom and the dark field suggests a study of light emerging from darkness, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay of presence and void.
Technique & Style
Simmons applies white pastel in thick, tactile strokes that give the petals a three‑dimensional quality. The use of a blackboard‑painted panel intensifies the luminosity of the pigment, while the textured application creates a surface that appears both painterly and sculptural, emphasizing the materiality of the medium.
History & Provenance
The drawing was produced at the turn of the millennium and entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s interest in contemporary drawing practices that explore unconventional supports and the expressive potential of pastel.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gary Simmons is an American artist from New York City. Using icons and stereotypes of American popular culture, he creates works that address personal and collective experiences of race and class. He is best known for…
