Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Philip Argent. It dates from 2002 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2002 by Philip Argent, this untitled drawing is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Executed with colored pencil, graphite and ballpoint pen on paper, the work measures a modest size and exemplifies Argent’s meticulous approach to line and surface.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents two folded chairs rendered in vivid, flat hues. One chair appears in a saturated orange adorned with a repetitive motif that suggests birds or clouds, while the other is covered in alternating pink, yellow and brown stripes. The juxtaposition of everyday furniture with decorative pattern invites contemplation of ordinary objects as sites of visual play.
Technique & Style
Argent builds form through dense cross‑hatching and fine shading, employing the precision of ballpoint pen alongside the layered texture of colored pencils. The crisp, clean edges and uniform coloration give the drawing a graphic quality, while the intricate line work creates a subtle sense of depth despite the overall flatness of the palette.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced in the early 2000s, a period when Argent was exploring the boundaries between drawing and design. It entered MoMA’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in contemporary works that foreground drawing as a primary medium.
Artist & collection
