Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a charcoal drawing by William T. Wiley. It dates from 1976 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled 1976 drawing by William T. Wiley combines multiple media—crayon, charcoal, felt-tip pen, ink, and pencil—on paper, characterized by layered, expressive marks. It is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts a figure bent over, burdened by a large barrel, set against a hastily sketched urban backdrop. The obscured face and loose, scribbled cityscape suggest a focus on the figure's laborious state rather than realistic representation.
Technique & Style
Wiley employs a diverse range of drawing tools, resulting in overlapping, messy lines that convey a sense of busyness and spontaneity. The border of doodles (arrows, symbols, shapes) adds to the overall energetic, informal aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Created in 1976, this work is associated with the funk art movement, a period in Wiley's career marked by eclectic and often irreverent artistic expressions. It has been acquired by The Museum of Modern Art.
Context
Within the broader context of Wiley's oeuvre, this piece reflects his propensity for interdisciplinary work and his involvement with the funk art movement, which emphasized raw, unpolished creativity.
Legacy
As part of MoMA's collection, this drawing contributes to the institutional recognition of Wiley's contribution to late 20th-century American art, particularly the funk movement's emphasis on spontaneous, mixed-media practices.
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…
