Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Per Kirkeby. It dates from 1966 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1966, this untitled work by Per Kirkeby combines watercolor with a carbon‑paper transfer on paper, resulting in a drawing that measures roughly the size of a standard sheet. The piece is part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art, where it is displayed among other mid‑century experimental works.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a side profile of a human head and shoulders, rendered in simplified, flat blocks of color. The figure’s hair and skin appear in deep brown tones, while a solid blue shirt contrasts with surrounding hues of yellow and purple that soften the edges, suggesting a focus on the interior rather than external detail.
Technique & Style
Kirkeby employed a hybrid process, first transferring a carbon paper outline onto the paper and then applying watercolor washes. The resulting surface is marked by loose, sketch‑like lines and occasional smudging, giving the image a tactile, almost unfinished quality. A warm orange field fills the background, reinforcing the central portrait without competing for attention.
History & Provenance
The work entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in Nordic artists experimenting with mixed media. Its acquisition helped broaden MoMA’s representation of European abstraction and the evolving practices of drawing in the 1960s.
Context
During the mid‑1960s, Kirkeby explored the boundaries between painting and drawing, often integrating unconventional materials. This piece exemplifies his interest in merging graphic precision with the fluidity of watercolor, situating it within a broader movement that questioned traditional media hierarchies and embraced a more experimental, process‑oriented approach.
Artist & collection
Artist
Per Kirkeby was a Danish painter, poet, film maker and sculptor. His works have been exhibited worldwide and are represented in many important public collections, including the Tate, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum…
