Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Paul Thek. It dates from 1970 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a 1970 drawing by Paul Thek, executed in pencil on ordinary notebook paper. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Its informal format and handwritten text give the impression of a personal note or a mock newspaper headline, while a small palm‑tree sketch appears in the lower corner.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing consists of a series of uneven, hand‑written statements that parody news bulletins, such as a proclamation that the "Age of Aquarius" has ended and a tongue‑in‑cheek directive for the public to "unwind clocks." By juxtaposing real cultural references with absurd directives, Thek creates a satirical commentary on contemporary media and the fleeting nature of trends.
Technique & Style
Thek employs a simple, gestural pencil line on lined paper, allowing the texture of the notebook to remain visible. The irregular lettering and spontaneous sketch of a palm tree emphasize a casual, almost doodle‑like aesthetic, contrasting with the formal presentation of a printed headline. This approach underscores the work’s playful, low‑tech visual language.
History & Provenance
Created in 1970, the piece entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection at an unspecified date, where it is catalogued as an untitled work. Its inclusion reflects MoMA’s interest in Thek’s broader practice, which often merged everyday materials with conceptual humor.
Artist & collection
Artist
Paul Thek was an American painter, sculptor and installation artist. Thek was active in both the United States and Europe, exhibiting several installations and sculptural works over the course of his life. Posthumously,…
