Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a crayon drawing by Richard Prince. It dates from 1998 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled (1998) is a mixed-media drawing by Richard Prince, combining cut-and-pasted paper, synthetic polymer paint, joint compound, conté crayon, and ballpoint pen on printed paper. The work exemplifies Prince's conceptual approach, integrating disparate materials and techniques.
Subject & Meaning
A tall, pale figure with a serious expression is central to the composition. Its torso is constructed from cut-out words like 'crime,' 'fight,' and 'trouble,' juxtaposed with handwritten phrases about conflict, conveying a sense of personal struggle and turmoil.
Technique & Style
The drawing's background features a chaotic arrangement of scribbled notes, doodles, and paint smudges, contrasting with the more defined, if fragmented, figure. This layered, collage-like technique reflects Prince's signature appropriation and recontextualization methods.
History & Provenance
Created in 1998, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, aligning with Prince's prominence in the conceptual and pop art movements of the late 20th century.
Context
Emerging from Prince's engagement with American pop culture, Untitled (1998) sits within his broader practice of challenging authorship and meaning through material layering and textual imagery.
Artist & collection
Artist
Richard Prince (born August 6, 1949) is an American conceptual artist and pop artist who rose to prominence in the 1980s in the East Village, Manhattan.
