Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by Jasper Johns. It dates from 1983 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled (1983) is a drawing by Jasper Johns, executed in ink on plastic. Characterized by its dual-panel composition, the work juxtaposes two distinct visual realms, each exploring different textures and themes.
Subject & Meaning
The left panel features abstract, overlapping shapes resembling stacked boxes or broken furniture, crafted through dense, repetitive ink lines. The right panel presents a darker, more figurative scene: a hunched figure and a skull on a wooden door, accompanied by the enigmatic phrases 'Gletscherabba' and 'Schute-de-g'. Together, they evoke a sense of duality and mystery.
Technique & Style
Johns employs a technique akin to cross-hatching on the left, using sharp, repeated ink lines to build shadowy, solid yet fuzzy forms. This method contrasts with the softer, blurrier rendering of the right panel, highlighting the artist's versatility in manipulating ink on plastic.
History & Provenance
Created in 1983, *Untitled* is part of Jasper Johns' later work, reflecting his continued experimentation across mediums. The piece is now held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA).
Artist & collection
Artist
Jasper Johns (born May 15, 1930) is an American painter, sculptor, draftsman, and printmaker.
