Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by William Leavitt, pastel, 1987
Untitled, by William Leavitt, pastel, 1987

Untitled is a pastel drawing by William Leavitt. It dates from 1987 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled, a 1987 pastel drawing by William Leavitt, depicts a serene, covered walkway. Executed in pastel on colored paper, the work features a simple, geometric structure with a flat roof supported by three white beams. A potted tree and wet, reflective ground add depth to the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a minimalist, possibly architectural, walkway. The contrast between dark walls and luminous roof/beams may symbolize the interplay of shadow and light, while the potted tree introduces a natural element into the otherwise man-made structure.

Technique & Style

Leavitt's use of pastel on colored paper yields a soft, sketchy appearance. The technique effectively captures the play of light, particularly on the roof, which appears almost three-dimensional due to the subtle gradations of pastel.

History & Provenance

Created in 1987, the drawing is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

William Leavitt

William Leavitt is a conceptual artist known for paintings, photographs, installations, and performance works that examine "the vernacular culture of L.A.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.