Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Per Kirkeby. It dates from 1965 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1965, this paper work combines watercolor, felt‑tip pen, carbon‑paper transfer and pencil.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1965, this paper work combines watercolor, felt‑tip pen, carbon‑paper transfer and pencil. It presents a stylised mountain scene rendered in muted beige tones, with a pink‑black ridge, a green‑white plant in the lower left and a dark shape at the base. The piece is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The composition suggests an abstracted landscape, where the juxtaposition of sharp mountain silhouettes and a solitary plant evokes a dialogue between geological form and organic growth. The limited palette and simplified forms invite contemplation of natural structures without depicting a specific locale.
Technique & Style
Kirkeby employed a layered approach: initial pencil sketches were transferred via carbon paper, then reinforced with felt‑tip pen lines that add texture and depth. Watercolor washes provide atmospheric background tones, while the pen’s bold strokes contrast with the delicate pencil underdrawing, creating a nuanced surface.
History & Provenance
The work was produced early in Kirkeby’s career, a period when he was exploring mixed media on paper. It entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings sometime after its creation, where it remains on display as part of the institution’s modern art collection.
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…
