Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Jake Berthot. It dates from 1995 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1995, this ink and pencil drawing on prepared paper reflects Jake Berthot’s shift toward a more personal visual language after moving his studio from New York City to the countryside of upstate New York. The work is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art and exemplifies the artist’s ongoing dialogue between abstraction and emerging figurative hints.
Subject & Meaning
The composition is dominated by a muted gray field punctuated by vigorous, irregular strokes that suggest a tactile, almost gestural process. A subtle vertical form appears near the centre, offering a faint suggestion of figure without resolving into a recognizable image, inviting viewers to consider the tension between presence and ambiguity.
Technique & Style
Berthot built the surface through successive layers of ink, allowing each application to dry before adding further marks. The resulting texture resembles repeated scribbles, with variations in darkness that create a sense of depth. Pencil accents reinforce the ink lines, while the worn edges of the paper hint at extensive handling and a focus on materiality.
History & Provenance
After the artist’s relocation in 1995, his practice began to incorporate more emotive and figurative gestures while retaining an abstract core. The drawing entered MoMA’s collection sometime after its creation and has been displayed in both commercial and institutional exhibitions throughout Berthot’s career, illustrating his consistent presence in the contemporary art circuit.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jake Berthot (1939–2014) was an American artist whose abstract paintings contained elements of both the minimalist and expressionist styles.
