Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Ray Johnson. It dates from 1978 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Ray Johnson’s 1978 drawing, executed in pencil on a sheet of stationery, is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection. The work is untitled, though accompanying documentation notes the glass depicted is "as yet unbroken," inviting speculation about its potential future state.
Subject & Meaning
The composition consists of a solitary wine glass rendered with careful line work. By emphasizing the glass’s unbroken condition, the piece subtly engages with themes of fragility, anticipation, and the passage of time, prompting viewers to consider what might occur beyond the static image.
Technique & Style
Johnson employs fine pencil strokes to achieve a high level of detail on a modestly sized paper. The drawing’s texture suggests a stippling-like approach, where numerous small marks build tonal variation and surface depth, demonstrating meticulous control within a minimalist framework.
History & Provenance
Created in 1978, the drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s holdings through acquisition (or donation) shortly after its completion. It remains catalogued under the artist’s name without a formal title, reflecting Johnson’s practice of presenting works that foreground process over narrative.
Artist & collection
Artist
Raymond Edward "Ray" Johnson was an American artist. Known primarily as a collagist and correspondence artist, he was a seminal figure in the history of Neo-Dada and early Pop art and was described as "New York's most…
