Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Jim Shaw, graphite, 1988
Untitled, by Jim Shaw, graphite, 1988

Untitled is a graphite drawing by Jim Shaw. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Jim Shaw's 1988 drawing, Untitled, is a colored pencil work on printed paper, currently part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a surreal landscape dominated by mushroom-shaped trees of varying sizes, arranged in a depth gradient. The fantastical, dreamlike atmosphere is enhanced by the apparent weightlessness of the trees.

Technique & Style

Shaw employed colored pencils to achieve a soft, gentle visual quality. The palette features pastel pinks and purples for the trees, set against a light blue ground with darker accents suggesting shadows or geological features.

History & Provenance

Created in 1988, the work is now held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, though its exhibition history and previous ownership are not detailed here.

Context

While specific inspirations for this piece are not provided, its surreal, fantastical elements align with broader themes in late 20th-century art exploring the subconscious and imaginary worlds.

Legacy

The work's influence or reception within Shaw's oeuvre or the broader art historical context is not specified, though it remains part of a prominent museum collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jim Shaw

Jim Shaw is an American artist. His work is held in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art, New York.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.