Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Mel Bochner. It dates from 1973 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled (1973) is a mixed-media drawing by Mel Bochner, combining pencil, gouache, colored pencil, and charcoal on paper. At first glance, it resembles a hand-drawn, simplified floor plan.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a spatial layout of rooms and hallways, defined by white lines for walls and doors, and black dots marking intersections and corners. This schematic representation explores conceptual and spatial ideas, characteristic of Bochner's practice.
Technique & Style
Executed on light tan paper, the work features thin, clean lines and deliberate, hand-drawn elements. The use of dots to connect lines adds a layer of meticulousness, highlighting the artist's emphasis on process and idea over aesthetic finish.
History & Provenance
Created in 1973, *Untitled* is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. Bochner, a pioneering Conceptual Artist, had previously challenged traditional notions of art with his influential 1966 exhibition.
Artist & collection
Artist
Melvin Simon Bochner (August 23, 1940 – February 12, 2025) was an American conceptual artist.
