Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a drawing by Thomas Hirschhorn. It dates from 1998 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
The work’s raw construction and unpolished surface reflect his rejection of traditional artistic refinement in favor of direct, personal expression.
Created in 1998, this drawing by Thomas Hirschhorn combines ballpoint pen, felt-tip pen, and printed paper collaged onto cardboard. It is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection and exemplifies Hirschhorn’s approach to art as an accessible, materially humble practice. The work’s raw construction and unpolished surface reflect his rejection of traditional artistic refinement in favor of direct, personal expression.
Subject & Meaning
The central image is a black-and-white photograph of a man in a suit, surrounded by handwritten red text that references Otto Freundlich, a German-Jewish abstract artist persecuted by the Nazis. Phrases like 'I LOVE OTTO FREUNDLICH' and 'O.F. JE NE T'OUBLIERAI PAS!' function as personal memorials, transforming the piece into an act of remembrance. The tribute underscores Hirschhorn’s interest in political history and marginalized figures.
Technique & Style
Hirschhorn assembled the work using found printed materials and hand-drawn elements, applying red ink with unrefined, energetic strokes. The cardboard support retains its natural texture, and the collaged fragments are unevenly placed, emphasizing the handmade quality. The red border framing the photograph intensifies the visual focus while reinforcing the work’s emotional urgency through color and gesture.
History & Provenance
This piece was made during Hirschhorn’s early career, following his training in Zurich and his emergence in the Parisian art scene of the 1990s. It entered The Museum of Modern Art’s collection as part of a broader recognition of his practice, which challenges conventional art hierarchies. The work’s informal materials and direct address align with his ongoing commitment to art as a public, democratic medium.
Context
Hirschhorn’s practice responds to the legacies of Joseph Beuys and Andy Warhol, blending social engagement with mass-media imagery. In the late 1990s, he increasingly turned to textual fragments and historical references to interrogate memory and ideology. This work reflects a broader trend in contemporary art toward using everyday materials to convey political and personal narratives outside institutional norms.
Legacy
The work exemplifies Hirschhorn’s enduring influence on artists who prioritize material accessibility and conceptual clarity over technical polish. Its combination of personal tribute and political resonance has become a touchstone for those exploring how art can serve as a site of historical reckoning. The piece continues to be cited in discussions about the role of the artist as witness and archivist.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Hirschhorn (born 16 May 1957) is a Swiss artist who lives and works in Paris.
