Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor drawing by William T. Wiley. It dates from 2002 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 2002 drawing by William T. Wiley, is a mixed-media work on paper combining watercolor, colored pencil, felt-tip pen, gouache, and pencil. Characterized by a chaotic, scribbled appearance, it features a central horse and rider sketch amidst messy lines, geometric shapes, and uneven text.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of Untitled is ambiguous, with a small, centrally placed horse and rider figure surrounded by disjointed elements, including a circled 'X', slanted song lyrics, and random phrases. These components suggest a stream-of-consciousness or fragmented thought process.
Technique & Style
Wiley employed a diverse range of techniques and tools to achieve the work's frenetic, layered look. The combination of fluid watercolor, precise colored pencil, bold felt-tip pen, opaque gouache, and graphite pencil creates a visually dynamic, almost three-dimensional effect.
History & Provenance
Created in 2002, Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection. While Wiley's broader oeuvre has connections to the funk art movement, this piece's specific style and themes do not neatly align with a single movement.
Context
As a multidisciplinary artist, Wiley's practice spanned drawing, painting, sculpture, film, performance, and even pinball design. Untitled reflects his inclination towards experimentation with both medium and message.
Legacy
Untitled contributes to Wiley's legacy as an innovative artist unafraid to blend mediums and challenge interpretive coherence. Its presence in MoMA's collection underscores its recognition within the context of contemporary American art.
Artist & collection
Artist
William Thomas Wiley (October 21, 1937 – April 25, 2021) was an American artist. His work spanned a broad range of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, film, performance, and pinball. At least some of Wiley's…
