Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by William Kentridge. It dates from 2005 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2005, this work consists of a set of twelve drypoint prints by South African artist William Kentridge (b. 1955). The series is untitled and exemplifies Kentrance’s practice of translating his characteristic drawing‑and‑erasure technique into the medium of printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The images are composed of loose, sketch‑like lines that hover over a light ground, suggesting motion and the fleeting nature of thought. No definitive figures emerge; instead, the marks convey a sense of an idea in the act of being formed and then partially withdrawn.
Technique & Style
Kentridge employs drypoint, incising lines directly onto a metal plate with a sharp needle. The resulting prints retain the immediacy of his hand, with varying line weight—from bold strokes to faint traces—mirroring the layered, erasing process he uses in his animated works.
History & Provenance
The series was produced as part of Kentridge’s ongoing exploration of iterative drawing, a method he has applied across prints, drawings, and film since the 1980s. The prints have been exhibited in several retrospective surveys of his work and are held in the collections of major contemporary art institutions.
Context
Kentridge’s drypoints relate to his broader visual language, which often addresses South African sociopolitical themes through metaphorical imagery. While this particular series lacks explicit narrative content, its emphasis on process and temporality reflects the artist’s engagement with history as a mutable, layered construct.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Kentridge (born 28 April 1955) is a South African artist best known for his prints, drawings, and animated films.
