Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a pastel drawing by Sean Scully. It dates from 1990 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1990 drawing by Sean Scully, combines pastel and charcoal on paper to create a composition of irregularly arranged black rectangles against a white background.
Subject & Meaning
The work's stark, geometric forms and expressive handling evoke a sense of emotional abstraction, characteristic of Scully's shift away from Minimalism towards more spiritually and metaphorically charged abstract art.
Technique & Style
Scully's use of pastel and charcoal imparts a gritty, hand-rubbed texture. The rough edges and uneven alignment of the black shapes, which appear as dark voids or shadows, contrast with the luminous white areas, creating a sense of depth and tactility.
History & Provenance
Created in 1990, during Scully's established career in the United States (following his 1975 move from London to New York), the piece is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Context
Within the broader context of late 20th-century abstract painting, *Untitled* reflects Scully's influence in transitioning the genre from Minimalism's austerity to a more expressive, emotionally resonant form.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sean Scully (born 30 June 1945) is an Irish-born American-based artist working as a painter, printmaker, sculptor and photographer.
