Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Kenturah Davis, graphite, 2021
Untitled, by Kenturah Davis, graphite, 2021

Untitled is a graphite drawing by Kenturah Davis. It dates from 2021 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled (2021) is a drawing by Kenturah Davis, composed of carbon pencil, pencil, and blind debossing on nine sheets of paper, currently part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a figure with hands raised, covering their face, conveying a sense of vulnerability or introspection. The subject's casual attire (rolled sleeves, messy hair) contrasts with the formal, detailed rendering of their hands.

Technique & Style

Davis employs a combination of media to achieve nuanced texture and shading. Cross-hatching creates depth and realism, particularly in the hands, which are rendered with meticulous attention to skin details like wrinkles and creases.

History & Provenance

Created in 2021, the work is held in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, indicating its recognition within the contemporary art world soon after its creation.

Context

While specific contextual references are not overt in the image, the piece's themes of personal introspection and the emphasis on the hand as a focal point may reflect broader contemporary explorations of identity and emotional state.

Legacy

As a relatively recent work, its long-term legacy is still unfolding. However, its inclusion in MoMA's collection suggests it will contribute to future discussions on contemporary drawing techniques and representations of introspection in art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Kenturah Davis

Kenturah Davis is an American contemporary multidisciplinary artist and designer.

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