Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Jon Widman. It dates from 2000 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2000 by Jon Widman, this pencil drawing—simply titled Untitled—is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Rendered on paper, the work measures a modest size and presents a stark, monochrome composition that invites close inspection of its detailed surface.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts a linear arrangement of nine vintage television sets against a spotted, black‑and‑white backdrop. Each screen is empty, while the devices’ knobs and buttons are rendered with precision. Flanking the electronics, slender blades of grass or reeds emerge, introducing an organic counterpoint to the mechanical forms.
Technique & Style
Widman employs a stippling method, building tone and texture through dense clusters of tiny pencil dots and fine lines rather than traditional brushwork. This labor‑intensive approach creates subtle gradations of shadow and a tactile surface that emphasizes the hand‑drawn nature of the objects, from the TV casings to the surrounding foliage.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its completion, becoming part of the institution’s contemporary drawing collection. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in works that explore the intersection of everyday technology and minimalist drawing practices at the turn of the millennium.
Artist & collection
