Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by Jackie Ferrara. It dates from 1975 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1975 by Jackie Ferrara, this ink drawing consists of two sheets of graph paper joined to form a single composition. The work is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Its title is simply “Untitled,” reflecting the artist’s focus on formal investigation rather than narrative description.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing presents two distinct geometric configurations. On the left, a basic pyramid shape is rendered with its dimensions annotated alongside it. The right side features a series of concentric rectangles that resemble a stepped progression, intersected by a network of internal lines, suggesting an exploration of spatial order and measurement.
Technique & Style
Ferrara employs precise ink lines on the pre‑printed grid of the graph paper, allowing the underlying squares to reinforce the work’s mathematical rigor. Annotations such as “scale” and “1/8 masonite” appear in the margins, while the absence of shading or color emphasizes the clarity of line and the systematic construction of the forms.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced in the mid‑1970s, a period when Ferrara was investigating architectural and sculptural concepts through drawing. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, where it remains in the museum’s drawing and prints department.
Context
During the 1970s, many artists engaged with minimalism and conceptual strategies that foregrounded process and documentation. Ferrara’s use of graph paper and measured annotations aligns with this broader trend, positioning the work within a dialogue about the relationship between drawing, architecture, and the language of construction.
Artist & collection
