Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Lucas Samaras, pastel, 1962
Untitled, by Lucas Samaras, pastel, 1962

Untitled is a pastel drawing by Lucas Samaras. It dates from 1962 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1962 drawing by Lucas Samaras, a Greek-American artist known for experimenting with various mediums and techniques. The work is a pastel on black paper.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a dark, turbulent landscape with a lone figure walking towards a distant, luminous area. The figure is barely discernible amidst the swirling, multicolored pastel marks that dominate the scene.

Technique & Style

Samaras employed pastel on black paper to create a vibrant, textured landscape. The colors—greens, blues, yellows, and reds—swirl together, evoking a sense of turmoil, while the deep blue sky provides a somber backdrop.

History & Provenance

Created in 1962, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Samaras, who was born in 1936 and passed away in 2024, was known for pushing boundaries in his artistic practice.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Lucas Samaras

Artist

Lucas Samaras

Lucas Samaras (Greek: Λουκάς Σαμαράς; September 14, 1936 – March 7, 2024) was a Greek-born American photographer, sculptor, and painter.

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