Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a drawing by Meredith Monk. It dates from 1970 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
The right side shows a mix of notes about a "monster" and people with strange names like "Needle Woman" and "Red People.
This page is covered in messy handwriting and quick sketches. There are lists of characters, stage directions, and a rough map of a field with stick figures. Some words are circled or underlined, and arrows point to different parts of the page. The right side shows a mix of notes about a "monster" and people with strange names like "Needle Woman" and "Red People."
The notes are for a live movie called *The Systems Kid*, written by Meredith Monk in 1970. She seems to be planning out scenes with odd, dreamlike details—like a "needle woman" and a "monster" in a field.
If you like this kind of raw, experimental work, check out Meredith Monk.
Overview
Untitled is a 1970 drawing by Meredith Monk, executed in felt-tip pen and correction fluid on two sheets of paper, currently in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The work contains preparatory notes and sketches for *The Systems Kid*, a live movie project. Elements include character lists (e.g., 'Needle Woman', 'Red People'), stage directions, a field map with stick figures, and references to a 'monster', indicating a narrative with surreal, dreamlike scenarios.
Technique & Style
The drawing features dense, handwritten text interspersed with quick sketches, emphasizing spontaneity and creative process. Visual elements include circled/underlined text, arrows, and informal graphics, reflecting a dynamic, exploratory approach.
History & Provenance
Created in 1970 for *The Systems Kid* project, the drawing is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, providing insight into Monk's creative development during this period.
Context
This piece exemplifies Meredith Monk's interdisciplinary practice, bridging visual art, theater, and performance. It reflects the experimental spirit of the early 1970s, characterized by cross-disciplinary innovation.
Legacy
As a rarefied example of Monk's early conceptual and planning processes, *Untitled* offers valuable context for understanding her subsequent multimedia works and influence on experimental performance art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Meredith Jane Monk is an American composer, performer, director, vocalist, filmmaker, and choreographer.
