Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by George Maciunas George Brecht, graphite, 1968
Untitled, by George Maciunas George Brecht, graphite, 1968

Untitled is a graphite drawing by George Maciunas George Brecht. It dates from 1968 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a collaborative drawing by George Maciunas and George Brecht (c. 1968), combines multiple mediums on paper, featuring a simple, shaded gloved hand giving a thumbs-up, accompanied by textual elements and evident signs of handling.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a gloved hand with a raised thumb (thumbs-up gesture) and downturned fingers, potentially conveying a mix of approval and negation. The text "Direction by George Brecht / A Flux Game" suggests its connection to the Fluxus movement, implying an interactive or conceptual game element.

Technique & Style

The drawing utilizes thick lines and cross-hatching for shading, with additional elements: photostat, adhesive lettering, ink, pencil, felt-tip pen, and pressure-sensitive tape. The style is characteristic of Fluxus' simplicity and incorporation of everyday materials.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1968 by George Maciunas and George Brecht, the work is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Evident wear, handwritten notes, and tape at the top indicate handling and possibly an interactive or exhibition history.

Context

Aligned with the Fluxus movement, this piece reflects the group's emphasis on conceptual simplicity, interactivity ('A Flux Game'), and the blurring of art and everyday life through mixed media and straightforward imagery.

Legacy

As part of the Fluxus canon, Untitled contributes to the movement's influence on subsequent conceptual and interactive art practices, highlighting the significance of simple, idea-driven works in modern art history.

Artist & collection

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