Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by Olav Christopher Jenssen. It dates from 2000 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2000, this charcoal drawing by Norwegian artist Olav Christopher Jenssen is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed on light‑toned paper, the work is untitled and presents a single, everyday object rendered with immediacy and economy of line.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a comb, its curved handle and slender teeth reduced to essential strokes. By isolating a mundane object, the drawing invites contemplation of form and function, suggesting a quiet focus on the ordinary rather than narrative content.
Technique & Style
Jenssen employs swift, dark charcoal marks that contrast with the paper’s yellowish hue. The teeth are rendered through thin, parallel lines, while the handle is suggested by a single curved gesture. The overall effect is rough and gestural, implying a brief, perhaps spontaneous execution.
History & Provenance
The piece entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings shortly after its creation, though the exact acquisition date is not specified. It remains catalogued under its generic title, reflecting the artist’s practice of presenting objects without overt description.
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…
