Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Ikeda Masuo. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1973, this paper work combines solvent transfer, watercolor, gouache and pencil.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1973, this paper work combines solvent transfer, watercolor, gouache and pencil. It measures as a drawing and is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The Japanese artist Masuo Ikeda, who originated from Nagano Prefecture, produced the piece as part of his broad practice that spans painting, printmaking, sculpture and other media.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a man leaning over a recumbent horse, his hand supporting the animal’s head with a gentle gesture. A second horse is tethered in the background, lending a sense of stillness to the scene. The quiet interaction suggests themes of care, fatigue, and the bond between human and animal.
Technique & Style
Soft, muted hues dominate the surface, applied in layered washes that build depth through glazing. Loose, sketch‑like pencil lines define the figures, while the solvent transfer adds subtle tonal variations. Dark brown, red and blue borders frame the paper’s edge, accentuating the central image without overwhelming its delicate atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Since its creation, the work has remained in the public domain, entering the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings where it is displayed as part of the institution’s modern drawing collection. No record of prior private ownership or exhibition history is noted beyond its acquisition by MoMA.
Context
Ikeda’s multidisciplinary background informs the piece’s hybrid materiality, merging drawing with painterly techniques. Produced during the early 1970s, a period of experimental cross‑media practices in Japan, the work reflects contemporary interests in blurring the boundaries between fine art and illustration.
Artist & collection
Artist
Masuo Ikeda (池田 満寿夫, Ikeda Masuo; February 23, 1934 – March 8, 1997) was a Japanese painter, printmaker, illustrator, sculptor, ceramist, novelist, and film director from Nagano Prefecture.
