Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by Patricia Johanson. It dates from 1974 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Patricia Johanson’s 1974 drawing, untitled, is executed on transparentized paper using ink, charcoal, and pencil. The composition presents a meticulously rendered, flower‑like configuration composed of eight curving lobes, accompanied by faint annotations of numbers and words that remain difficult to decipher.
Subject & Meaning
The image functions as a design study for a three‑dimensional form, suggesting a sculptural or hydraulic object such as a fountain. Its botanical motif and precise line work imply an exploration of natural structures translated into engineered constructs.
Technique & Style
Johanson combines the fluidity of ink with the tonal depth of charcoal and the precision of pencil, layering these media on a translucent support. The drawing’s intricate line quality and careful shading reveal a methodical approach to visualizing complex, organic geometry.
History & Provenance
Created in 1974, the work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in documenting experimental design practices of the 1970s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Patricia Johanson was an American artist. Johanson is known for her large-scale art projects that create aesthetic and practical habitats for humans and wildlife. She designed her functional art projects, created with…
