Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a drawing by Lee Etheredge IV. It dates from 2001 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2001 by Lee Etheredge IV, this untitled piece consists of rows of uniformly spaced typewritten characters that repeat a single word across the surface. The dense arrangement forms a solid rectangular mass, within which a smaller, clear rectangle is left empty. Printed on light‑beige paper with dark ink, the work presents a stark visual contrast between text and negative space.
Subject & Meaning
The repetitive inscription of the same word generates a rhythmic visual field that invites contemplation of language as pattern. By reducing the text to a purely formal element, the piece foregrounds the tension between meaning and visuality, prompting viewers to consider how repeated signifiers can become abstracted into decorative grids.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a mechanical typewriter, allowing for precise, uniform lettering that emphasizes the work’s systematic quality. The method produces crisp, evenly spaced characters that coalesce into a seamless block, while the intentional void in the center disrupts the monotony, creating a subtle compositional balance.
History & Provenance
Lee Etheredge IV completed the work in 2001, and it entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art shortly thereafter. The piece remains in MoMA’s holdings, where it is displayed among other works that explore the intersection of text, technology, and visual art.
Artist & collection
