Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by John Edward Dowell. It dates from 1971 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1971, this ink drawing by American artist John Edward Dowell Jr. consists of a single, wavering vertical stroke applied to a light sheet of paper. The work forms part of a nine‑piece portfolio that combines lithographs with ink drawings, and it is currently in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents no representational imagery; instead, it focuses on the gesture of a continuous line that varies in thickness and opacity. The piece invites consideration of the act of drawing itself, emphasizing the physical movement of the hand and the material qualities of ink as a visual element.
Technique & Style
Executed with a simple drawing implement—likely a pen or brush—the line is rendered in a single, uninterrupted motion, producing uneven pressure that creates both delicate, translucent sections and denser, darker marks. The resulting texture highlights the immediacy of the mark‑making process and the artist’s interest in spontaneous, gestural expression.
History & Provenance
At the time of its creation, Dowell was a professor of printmaking at the Tyler School of Art, Temple University in Philadelphia. The drawing was included in a portfolio that paired it with eight lithographs, reflecting the artist’s dual practice in print and drawing. It entered MoMA’s collection through acquisition, though the exact date of purchase is not specified.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Edward Dowell Jr. (born 1941) is an American printmaker, painter, and educator. He was a professor of printmaking at the Tyler School of Art at Temple University in Philadelphia.
