Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Jasper Johns. It dates from 1986 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1986, this untitled work by Jasper Johns consists of a pencil drawing on paper. The piece belongs to the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Johns, a pivotal figure in post‑World War II American art, is recognized for his engagement with abstract expressionism, Neo‑Dada and pop art across a range of media.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing centers on a large, dark silhouette that suggests a human figure, surrounded by ancillary forms that evoke a tabletop setting with assorted objects. While the composition remains ambiguous, the juxtaposition of a solitary figure against everyday items invites contemplation of presence, space, and the ordinary rendered in a heightened, gestural manner.
Technique & Style
Executed with dense cross‑hatching, the work relies on tightly packed short strokes to build texture, tone, and volume. The meticulous layering of lines creates a nuanced gradation of light and shadow, giving the flat surface a palpable sense of depth. Johns’s draftsmanship here demonstrates his command of drawing as a means of exploring form through line rather than color.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings after being acquired directly from the artist’s estate, reflecting MoMA’s long‑standing commitment to documenting Johns’s oeuvre. Since its accession, the work has been displayed in several exhibitions that trace the evolution of Johns’s practice from painting to drawing.
Context
Johns’s practice in the 1980s revisited earlier concerns with everyday imagery while integrating the gestural intensity associated with abstract expressionism. This drawing, produced toward the end of his career, exemplifies his continued interest in the interplay between representation and abstraction, a hallmark of his contributions to Neo‑Dada and pop art dialogues.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jasper Johns (born May 15, 1930) is an American painter, sculptor, draftsman, and printmaker.
