Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Joan Mitchell, crayon, 1967
Untitled, by Joan Mitchell, crayon, 1967

Untitled is a crayon drawing by Joan Mitchell. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Joan Mitchell's 1967 drawing, Untitled, is a crayon work on acetate. It is characterized by dense, expressive marks and uneven textures.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing's abstract composition is dominated by jagged black and white lines and shapes, with the word 'BLACK' inscribed at the top. Its meaning is open to interpretation, potentially drawing on the artist's memories of landscapes.

Technique & Style

Mitchell employed a gestural style, using crayon to create varied densities of mark-making on the acetate surface. The resulting work is marked by thick, tangled strokes and areas of relative blankness, achieved through scraping or smudging.

History & Provenance

The drawing is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Created in 1967, it reflects Mitchell's association with the abstract expressionist movement and the New York School.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Joan Mitchell

Artist

Joan Mitchell

Joan Mitchell (February 12, 1925 – October 30, 1992) was an American artist who worked primarily in painting and printmaking, and also used pastel and made other works on paper.

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