Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Kandis Williams, ink, 2020
Untitled, by Kandis Williams, ink, 2020

Untitled is an ink drawing by Kandis Williams. It dates from 2020 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 2020 drawing by Kandis Williams, combines ink and cut-and-pasted printed paper on paper. Held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, this mixed-media work presents a visually complex composition.

Subject & Meaning

At the center of the drawing is a discernible figure: a shirtless man wearing a hat and holding a golden lion’s head. The surrounding chaotic arrangement of torn paper fragments, featuring faces, buildings, ink splatters, and paint, contrasts with the relative clarity of the central figure.

Technique & Style

Williams employed a multi-layered technique, gluing and layering printed paper before overlaying ink drawings. This process generates a dense, collage-like effect, with the interplay of torn edges and hand-drawn lines contributing to the work’s busy texture.

History & Provenance

Created in 2020, the work is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection, indicating its recognition within the contemporary art institutional framework.

Context

The predominant color palette of browns, blacks, and golds, punctuated by white and red streaks, suggests a nuanced exploration of visual harmony and discord. The technique of layering and drawing over printed paper reflects contemporary mixed-media practices.

Legacy

As a relatively recent work, its long-term impact and legacy are still unfolding. However, its inclusion in a major museum collection signals its contribution to ongoing discussions in contemporary art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Kandis Williams

Kandis Williams is an artist, writer, editor, and publisher stationed both in Berlin and Los Angeles.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.