Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a drawing by Mike Kelley. It dates from 1978 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1978, this untitled drawing by American artist Mike Kelley consists of felt‑tip pen marks on a sheet of lined paper. It resides in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. The work belongs to the early phase of Kelley’s practice, preceding his later involvement with performance, photography and collaborative installations.
Subject & Meaning
The text outlines a design for a birdhouse that admits only small birds, excluding larger ones, suggesting a commentary on equity and competition.
The composition combines brief handwritten instructions with two diminutive sketches. The text outlines a design for a birdhouse that admits only small birds, excluding larger ones, suggesting a commentary on equity and competition. Accompanying the description are simple geometric forms—a cube marked with a dot representing the entrance and another cube with a bird perched nearby—rendered in a straightforward, schematic manner.
Technique & Style
Executed with a felt‑tip pen, the drawing exploits the ruled surface of the paper, allowing the lines of text and illustration to sit within the pre‑existing grid. The marks are direct and unrefined, emphasizing immediacy over polish. The minimal visual language reflects Kelley’s interest in everyday materials and the casual, almost diagrammatic approach to drawing.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced early in Kelley’s career, before he expanded into multimedia practices and collaborations with artists such as Paul McCarthy and Tony Oursler. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings, where it is catalogued as part of the institution’s representation of late‑1970s American drawing.
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…
