Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a pastel drawing by William Kentridge. It dates from 1998 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, created by William Kentridge in 1998, is a mixed-media drawing on paper combining charcoal, pastel, and colored pencil. Characteristic of Kentridge's practice, the work preserves the visible traces of its iterative development process.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a suited man standing in a waist-deep body of water within a simple, white-walled room with a wooden ceiling. His clasped hands convey a sense of stillness or contemplation amidst the unusual circumstance.
Technique & Style
Kentridge's method of repeated modifications is evident, with layered marks and visible corrections. The incorporation of blue pastel for the water introduces a cool, calming element, contrasting with the darker, more textured suit rendered in charcoal and colored pencil.
History & Provenance
Created in 1998, this piece is now part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting Kentridge's significance in contemporary art practices that value process and layered meaning.
Context
While primarily known for animated films created through erasure and redrawing techniques, Kentridge often exhibits standalone drawings like *Untitled*, highlighting the intrinsic value of his iterative creative process.
Legacy
As part of Kentridge's oeuvre, *Untitled* contributes to the broader appreciation of artists who emphasize the process of creation, influencing perceptions of drawing as a dynamic, multi-layered medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Kentridge (born 28 April 1955) is a South African artist best known for his prints, drawings, and animated films.
