Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Ralph Lemon. It dates from 2020 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2020, this untitled work by Ralph Lemon consists of a densely layered drawing on paper. Executed with a combination of acrylic, ink, watercolor, gouache, crayon, colored pencil, glitter and graphite, it forms part of a thirteen‑piece series that the artist continues to develop. The piece is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a bustling tableau of human and animal figures rendered in bold contour lines, set against vivid fields of blue, yellow and red. Some figures appear in motion, suggesting dance or conversation, while textual elements such as “FREE SHOW” and “WHO’S EASY SHOW” punctuate the scene, adding a playful, performative dimension.
Technique & Style
Lemon employs an eclectic mix of media, integrating traditional drawing materials with acrylic paint and actual glitter particles. The juxtaposition of flat color patches, hand‑drawn text, and tactile glitter creates a multilayered surface that blurs the boundary between drawing and collage, emphasizing texture and visual density.
History & Provenance
The work was produced during the artist’s ongoing series of thirteen drawings and was acquired by the Museum of Modern Art shortly after its completion. Its inclusion in MoMA’s collection situates the piece within the institution’s broader holdings of contemporary mixed‑media practices.
Context
Ralph Lemon’s practice frequently explores performance, identity and the intersection of visual and linguistic codes. This drawing reflects those concerns by merging figurative motifs with signage and decorative elements, echoing the artist’s interest in the choreography of everyday visual culture.
Artist & collection
