Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by John Currin. It dates from 2001 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
John Currin’s 2001 drawing, titled Untitled, is executed in charcoal and chalk on prepared paper. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. It presents a loosely rendered portrait of a child, focusing on the face and shoulders, and exemplifies Curran’s interest in gestural drawing.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a young child caught in a moment of quiet anticipation: the hair is tousled, the skin bears a soft, uneven tone, and the mouth is slightly ajar, suggesting a breath before speech or a yawn. The informal pose invites viewers to contemplate the fleeting, unguarded nature of childhood.
Technique & Style
Currin employs rapid, sketch‑like strokes, alternating between deep charcoal shadows and faint chalk highlights. The surface shows a mixture of smudged, textured areas and barely hinted lines, creating a sense of immediacy. This approach emphasizes the tactile quality of the medium, reminiscent of scumbling techniques used to build atmospheric texture.
History & Provenance
Created in 2001, the drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its completion, though the exact acquisition date is not publicly recorded. It remains on view as part of MoMA’s drawing holdings, representing an early‑2000s example of Currin’s work in a non‑painted medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Currin is an American painter based in New York City. He is most recognised for his technically proficient satirical figurative paintings that explore controversial sexual and societal topics. His work shows a wide…
