Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Gordon Matta-Clark. It dates from 1978 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, executed in 1978 by Gordon Matta‑Clark, is a drawing that combines felt‑tip pen, pencil and collage elements of cut‑and‑taped printed paper. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts an abstracted building broken into irregular geometric sections. Two vertical towers dominate the left side, a flat roof spans the centre, and a large archway opens at the bottom. On the right, the structure appears sliced like a sandwich, exposing an interior void that suggests hidden space or deconstruction.
Technique & Style
Matta‑Clark employed precise, grid‑based lines reminiscent of architectural plans. Black shapes within the cut sections function as stylised apertures, while the collage of printed paper adds layered texture. The use of felt‑tip pen and pencil creates a stark, graphic quality that emphasizes the drawing’s architectural logic.
History & Provenance
Created in the late 1970s, the piece reflects Matta‑Clark’s ongoing interest in architectural interventions. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its completion, where it remains on view as part of the institution’s holdings of contemporary drawing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gordon Matta-Clark was an American artist best known for site-specific artworks he made in the 1970s. He was also a pioneer in the field of socially engaged food art.
