Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by Tony Oursler. It dates from 1993 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1993 drawing by Tony Oursler, combines watercolor and graphite on laminated paper. The work is characterized by a dominant, curved metal object rendered in expressive, loose brushstrokes against a white background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a ambiguously defined metal object, possibly a machine part, with a curved silhouette, flat base, rounded top, and a suggested handle or lever. Its specific function or reference remains unclear, leaving interpretation open.
Technique & Style
Oursler employs a range of techniques to achieve depth and dimensionality, including layered and blended colors in shades of red, gray, and black, with selective use of negative space. The expressive brushwork and visible texture emphasize the drawing's handmade quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1993, the piece is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting Oursler's diverse practice across mediums, despite being more commonly associated with multimedia and video works.
Context
As an American artist based in New York City, Oursler's work from this period may intersect with early 1990s avant-garde explorations of materiality and the interplay between traditional and modern mediums.
Legacy
While *Untitled* represents a lesser-documented aspect of Oursler's predominantly multimedia oeuvre, it underscores his experimental approach across various artistic disciplines.
Artist & collection
Artist
Tony Oursler (born 1957) is an American multimedia and installation artist married to Jacqueline Humphries.
