Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a pastel drawing by Joseph E. Yoakum. It dates from 1970 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in early 1970, this mixed-media drawing by Joseph E.
About this work
The artist wrote the title at the top: *"The Cyclone that Struck Susanville, California in year of 1903.
This drawing shows a storm hitting a small town. A swirling mass of dark lines represents wind and rain, while a cluster of simple houses sits below. The hills around the town are drawn in light brown, and a lone tree stands bent over on the right.
The artist wrote the title at the top: *"The Cyclone that Struck Susanville, California in year of 1903."* The date "Jan 2, 1970" is stamped in the corner, likely when it was made.
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Overview
Created in early 1970, this mixed-media drawing by Joseph E. Yoakum is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed with black felt‑tip, fountain and ballpoint pens, pastel, and colored pencil on paper, the work records a dramatic weather event in a compact, narrative format.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a violent cyclone that struck Susanville, California, in 1903. A turbulent mass of dark, swirling lines conveys wind and rain, while modest houses and a bent tree anchor the scene within a small town set against lightly rendered hills.
Technique & Style
Yoakum combines drawing and pastel, using the contrast of dense black ink strokes with softer pastel washes and colored pencil accents. The interplay of precise line work and loose, gestural shading creates a sense of movement and immediacy, emphasizing the storm’s chaotic energy.
History & Provenance
The piece bears the inscription “Jan 2 1970” in its lower corner, indicating the date of execution. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings after being acquired from the artist’s estate, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s modern drawing collection.
Context
Yoakum, a self‑taught artist, often recorded personal memories and historical events in his work. This drawing continues his practice of documenting specific moments—here, a natural disaster—through a blend of narrative caption and visual abstraction.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joseph Elmer Yoakum was an American self-taught painter. He was of African-American and possibly of Native American–descent, and was known for his landscape paintings in the outsider art-style. He was age 76 when he…
