Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Neil Farber. It dates from 2003 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2003, this ink and gouache drawing by Canadian artist Neil Farber presents a loosely arranged circle of skeletal figures. Rendered on white paper, the composition balances stark black outlines with selective touches of gouache, giving the scene a subtle hint of color amid an otherwise monochrome field.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts a group of skeletons in varied poses—standing, sitting, and leaning—each turned in a different direction, suggesting movement and interaction. Their exaggerated heads and elongated limbs lend a cartoonish quality, inviting a reading that leans toward humor and playfulness rather than macabre symbolism.
Technique & Style
Farber employs precise black ink lines to define the skeletal forms, while gouache is applied sparingly to accent certain areas, creating visual contrast without overwhelming the drawing’s tonal restraint. The style merges the immediacy of drawing with a whimsical, almost narrative illustration approach, characteristic of his broader practice in ink and watercolor.
History & Provenance
Born in 1975 and trained at the University of Manitoba, Farber was a member of the collaborative group The Royal Art Lodge, alongside artists such as Marcel Dzama. This particular piece entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings of contemporary drawing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Neil Farber (born 1975) is a Canadian contemporary artist who lives and works in Winnipeg.
