Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Sonja Sekula, ink, 1942
Untitled, by Sonja Sekula, ink, 1942

Untitled is an ink drawing by Sonja Sekula. It dates from 1942 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1942 pen and ink drawing by Sonja Sekula, a Swiss-American artist, accompanied by a dedication by Francis Carco and three postcards.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing features a simple, abstract design with bold lines and geometric shapes, while the dedication is written in French at the top and Sekula's signature appears at the bottom.

Technique & Style

Characterized by clean lines and simple shapes, the drawing's minimalist aesthetic contrasts with the flowing script of the dedication and the boldness of Sekula's signature.

History & Provenance

The work is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, created during a period when Sekula engaged with surrealists in exile in New York and was a notable figure in the city's art scene.

Context

Sekula's artistic practice was influenced by her interactions with contemporary art movements, as well as her personal experiences as an openly lesbian artist navigating mental health challenges.

Artist & collection

Artist

Sonja Sekula

Sonja Sekula (8 April 1918 – 25 April 1963) (also known as Sonia Sekula) was an American artist linked with the abstract expressionist movement, notable for her activity as an "out" lesbian in the New York art world during the 1940s and…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.