Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a drawing by John Cage. It dates from 1975 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a typewritten sheet on paper created in 1975, is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art. The work consists of a handwritten‑style typed letter, signed by its author, and exhibits the physical characteristics of a used document, including minor wrinkles and creases.
Subject & Meaning
The text is addressed to an individual identified only as M.S., expressing gratitude for assistance that made a recent exhibition possible. The author also notes a current involvement in organizing a show of paintings by Willem de Kooning, situating the letter within the practical concerns of the art world.
Technique & Style
Executed with a typewriter, the piece employs black ink on ordinary paper, emphasizing the mechanical precision of typed characters contrasted with the informal, personal tone of the correspondence. The visible paper imperfections reinforce the document’s everyday, utilitarian nature.
History & Provenance
John Cage, known primarily for his experimental music and conceptual art, produced the letter in 1975. It entered MoMA’s holdings as part of the museum’s effort to document the broader scope of Cage’s artistic practice, which extended beyond sound into written and visual media.
Context
The note reflects the collaborative networks of the 1970s New York art scene, where figures like Cage and de Kooning frequently intersected. By thanking a colleague for logistical support, the document reveals the behind‑the‑scenes labor essential to mounting exhibitions during that period.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Milton Cage Jr. was an American composer, artist, and music theorist. A pioneer of indeterminacy in music, electroacoustic music, and non-standard use of musical instruments, Cage was one of the leading figures of…
