Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink drawing by Vladimir Velickovic. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art. Created in 1967, this ink drawing by Serbian artist Vladimir Veličković is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1967, this ink drawing by Serbian artist Vladimir Veličković is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection.
Created in 1967, this ink drawing by Serbian artist Vladimir Veličković is part of The Museum of Modern Art’s collection. Executed on paper with precise yet fluid strokes, the work presents a dense composition of linear and textual elements. Its monochromatic palette and intricate mark-making reflect a preoccupation with form and movement, characteristic of Veličković’s mid-career practice during his years in Paris.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing resists clear narrative interpretation. A central black X anchors the composition, surrounded by fragmented, ambiguous forms that suggest figures or creatures in motion. These shapes are neither fully representational nor abstract, evoking psychological tension rather than literal subjects. The ambiguity invites contemplation of inner states, aligning with postwar European artistic inquiries into identity and dislocation.
Technique & Style
Veličković employed ink with varied pressure to produce thick, expressive lines alongside fine, delicate strokes. Dots, hatching, and crosshatching build texture and depth, creating a sense of visual density. The hand appears both controlled and spontaneous, balancing precision with gestural energy. This technique reflects an interest in the physicality of mark-making as a conduit for emotional resonance.
History & Provenance
Veličković, who relocated to Paris in the 1950s, produced this work during a period of intense experimentation with figuration and abstraction. The drawing entered MoMA’s collection in the late 20th century, reflecting institutional recognition of his contribution to postwar drawing practices. Its provenance remains tied to his personal archive and European gallery exhibitions prior to acquisition.
Context
Made during the height of Cold War tensions, the work resonates with broader European artistic trends that rejected overt political messaging in favor of introspective, often unsettling imagery. Veličković’s approach aligns with artists exploring existential themes through fragmented forms, influenced by both Expressionism and the lingering trauma of wartime Europe.
Legacy
This drawing exemplifies Veličković’s enduring focus on the human condition through abstracted bodily forms. While less widely known than some of his contemporaries, his work has influenced later generations interested in the emotional potential of line and texture. Its presence in MoMA underscores its significance within the broader narrative of 20th-century drawing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Vladimir Veličković was a Serbian painter who spent much of his adult life in Paris.
