Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a gouache drawing by Olav Christopher Jenssen. It dates from 1998 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Olav Christopher Jenssen’s 1998 gouache work, untitled, consists of two irregular, black‑outlined forms set against a pale yellow field. The larger shape resembles a compressed circle, while the smaller, asymmetrical oval sits nearby, its interior slightly darker than the surrounding paper. The composition is minimal, lacking representational cues, and is signed discreetly in the lower corner.
Subject & Meaning
The piece offers no explicit narrative; its abstract shapes invite contemplation of balance and tension. The contrast between the stark black contours and the muted background creates a visual dialogue that can be read as an exploration of form versus void, encouraging viewers to consider the inherent qualities of shape and color without figurative reference.
Technique & Style
Executed in gouache, a water‑based medium that yields an opaque, matte finish, Jenssen applied the pigment in flat, uniform washes. The black outlines are rendered with a fine brush, while the interior tones are achieved through subtle layering, allowing the paper’s texture to remain visible and contributing to the work’s understated surface quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1998, the drawing entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains on display. The work bears the artist’s signature in the lower corner, and the paper shows faint markings—likely archival stamps or dates—indicating its provenance and the museum’s documentation practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
Olav Christopher Jenssen is a Norwegian artist. Jenssen is considered one of the most acclaimed contemporary Norwegian artists, with a significant international career. He has lived and worked in Berlin for years. From…
