Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Mathias Goeritz. It dates from 1953 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1953, *Untitled* is a drawing by Mathias Goeritz, composed of pencil and colored pencil marks on four separate paper pieces mounted onto a colored paper base.
Subject & Meaning
The work combines geometric and organic forms, presenting a mix of recognizable shapes, possibly suggestive of furniture, alongside abstract designs, conveying a sense of tension through overlapping and disjointed elements.
Technique & Style
Characterized by a blend of rough sketches and bold lines, the drawing features black pencil dominant with accents of colored pencil, notably red lines within squares. The composition exhibits crumpled, uneven paper textures and explorations of spatial relationships.
History & Provenance
Produced during Goeritz's early period in Mexico (after 1949), following his relocation from Europe with his wife, photographer Marianne Gast, the piece reflects his transitional practice between painting, sculpture, and drawing.
Context
Reflecting Goeritz's experimentation in Mexico, *Untitled* sits at the intersection of European geometric abstraction and the emerging artistic dialogues of mid-20th-century Mexico, where artists were blending traditional and modern techniques.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of *Untitled* are not highlighted, the work contributes to understanding Goeritz's evolutionary style and his contribution to Mexico's vibrant post-war artistic scene, influencing subsequent generations of artists in their exploration of mixed media and abstract forms.
Artist & collection
Artist
Werner Mathias Goeritz Brunner (4 April 1915, Danzig, German Empire – 4 August 1990, Mexico City) was a German and Mexican painter and sculptor.
