Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a paint drawing by Mike Kelley. It dates from 1989 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1989 drawing by Mike Kelley, combines synthetic polymer paint on paper to depict a juxtaposition of industrial and natural elements. Characterized by its monochromatic palette with shading for depth, the work features a vase constructed from tangled pipes and metal parts, topped by a single, prominently petalled flower with a vibrant center.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing contrasts a crudely assembled, mechanical vase with a softly rendered, blooming flower. This fusion of disparate elements—rough, industrial materials alongside delicate, organic form—invites interpretation, though its specific meaning remains ambiguous, leaving the striking visual tension as its primary statement.
Technique & Style
Kelley executed the work using synthetic polymer paint, applying it to paper to achieve a detailed, high-contrast image in black, white, and gray. The technique allows for both the precise rendering of the flower's thick petals and the expressive, tangled depiction of the metallic vase, reflecting Kelley's versatility across mediums.
History & Provenance
Created in 1989, *Untitled* is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting its recognition within Kelley's diverse oeuvre, which often incorporated found objects, textiles, and multimedia collaborations, notably with artists like Paul McCarthy and Tony Oursler.
Context
This work aligns with Kelley's practice of challenging expectations through unexpected combinations, a theme also present in his collaborative projects with contemporaries. The piece's themes of juxtaposition and the interplay between natural and industrial elements resonate within the broader context of late 20th-century conceptual and mixed-media art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Michael Kelley (October 27, 1954 – c. January 31, 2012) was an American artist whose work involved found objects, textile banners, drawings, assemblage, collage, performance, photography, sound and video. He also worked…
