Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by Glenn Ligon. It dates from 1998 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1998 by American conceptual artist Glenn Ligon, *Untitled* is a drawing executed in ink and coal dust on paper, featuring two contrasting headshots that explore themes central to Ligon's practice.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing juxtaposes two figures: one with their face obscured by turning away, and the other with features blurred, suggesting themes of identity, visibility, and the complexities of representation, common in Ligon's exploration of race and self.
Technique & Style
Ligon employs thick black ink outlines and a background textured with coal dust specks, imparting a rough, grainy quality. This technique, reminiscent of cross-hatching, adds depth and visual tension to the stark, high-contrast imagery.
History & Provenance
*Untitled* is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting its significance within contemporary conceptual art. Ligon, associated with the Post-Blackness movement, continues to work from New York City.
Context
Emerging in the late 20th century, Ligon's work draws on literary and cultural references, situating *Untitled* within a broader dialogue on identity, language, and race that characterized much of his generation's conceptual practices.
Legacy
As a key figure in conceptual art and a proponent of Post-Blackness, Ligon's *Untitled* contributes to ongoing discussions about representation and identity, influencing subsequent generations of artists exploring similar themes.
Artist & collection
Artist
Glenn Ligon (born 1960, pronounced Lie-gōne) is an American conceptual artist whose work explores race, language, desire, sexuality, and identity.
