Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Hércules Barsotti. It dates from 1958 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1958, this untitled work by Argentine artist Hércules Barsotti consists of a gouache drawing on paper. The composition is dominated by a stark contrast between a white field and a series of solid black geometric forms that appear to be stacked in an irregular, overlapping arrangement.
Subject & Meaning
The piece presents a minimalist arrangement of black shapes resembling triangles or slanted rectangles, each varying in width at the top or bottom. The lack of representational content directs attention to the formal relationships of line, shape, and negative space, inviting contemplation of balance and visual tension.
Technique & Style
Barsotti employed opaque, matte gouache, applying the pigment in flat, uniform areas without visible brushwork or texture. The precise edges and uniform coloration emphasize the work’s graphic quality, aligning it with mid‑century abstract and constructivist tendencies that favor clean, hard‑edge execution.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in post‑war Latin American abstraction and Barsotti’s role in the development of geometric art during the 1950s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hércules Rubens Barsotti was a Brazilian painter, graphic designer, scenographer and costume designer. He was a member of the Neo-Concrete Movement.
