Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a pastel drawing by Sean Scully. It dates from 1988 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled is a drawing by Sean Scully, created in 1988 using pastel and charcoal on paper. It is a representative work from a period when the artist was transitioning towards a more expressive and abstract style.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing features three stacked black rectangles with a rusty-brown strip visible between the middle layers, evoking the impression of a gap or opening. The contrast between the heavy, dark forms and the warm, exposed strip suggests a tension between confinement and revelation.
Technique & Style
Scully employed pastel and charcoal to achieve a layered, textured effect. The rough edges and dragged pastel strokes contribute to the work's tactile quality, characteristic of the artist's experimental approach to medium and composition.
History & Provenance
Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting Scully's significant contribution to contemporary art. The artist has been recognized with two Turner Prize nominations, underscoring his influence across various mediums, including painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sean Scully (born 30 June 1945) is an Irish-born American-based artist working as a painter, printmaker, sculptor and photographer.
