Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Walter De Maria. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1964, this untitled work by Walter De Maria consists of colored pencil applied to paper that has been mounted on a board. The composition is minimal, featuring two tilted triangular forms rendered in light, almost translucent strokes against a largely empty surface. The edges of the paper carry a faint wash of color, giving the piece a subdued, quiet presence.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing presents a small triangle nested within a larger one, both positioned at an angle that suggests movement or suspension. The lack of additional detail and the airy handling of line invite viewers to consider the relationship between shape and space, echoing De Maria’s interest in the reduction of visual elements to their essential forms.
Technique & Style
De Maria employed colored pencil to achieve a soft, delicate line quality, allowing the graphite to remain barely perceptible. The medium’s subtle hue contributes to a muted palette, while the paper‑on‑board support provides a firm surface that preserves the faintness of the marks. The overall aesthetic aligns with the minimal and conceptual tendencies of the early 1960s.
History & Provenance
The work entered the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s commitment to documenting the experimental practices of artists who were active in New York’s avant‑garde circles during the mid‑1960s.
Context
De Maria’s practice spanned sculpture, drawing, and music, and his output was closely associated with the emerging minimal, conceptual, and land‑art movements of the period. This drawing, though modest in scale, exemplifies his broader exploration of form, space, and the quiet potential of everyday materials within the larger trajectory of post‑war American art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Walter Joseph De Maria (October 1, 1935 – July 25, 2013) was an American artist, sculptor, illustrator and composer, who lived and worked in New York City.
