Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint drawing by John Morris. It dates from 2001 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
John Morris’s 2001 drawing, titled Untitled, consists of synthetic polymer paint applied to a sheet of notebook paper. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Its surface is dominated by a dense network of black lines and circles that occupy the entire white field.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents an intricate web of intersecting circles and lines, varying from tiny dots to larger, overlapping forms. The arrangement suggests a sense of entanglement or spontaneous growth, inviting viewers to contemplate patterns that emerge from seemingly chaotic gestures.
Technique & Style
Morris employed only black polymer paint, allowing the overlapping of strokes to generate subtle gray tones. The marks appear quickly laid, with a raw, unrefined quality that retains the texture of the underlying lined paper, whose faint blue grid remains visible through the pigment.
History & Provenance
Created in 2001, the drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its completion. It remains on display as an example of Morris’s interest in abstract line work and the use of everyday materials as a support for fine art.
Artist & collection
