Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Willys de Castro, ink, 1954
Untitled, by Willys de Castro, ink, 1954

Untitled is an ink drawing by Willys de Castro. It dates from 1954 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1954 drawing by Willys de Castro is an untitled work on transparentized paper, created using ink. It exemplifies the artist's experimental approach to visual composition.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing features geometric shapes, including rectangles and squares, arranged in a grid-like pattern. Some shapes are filled with ink, while others remain as outlines, creating a dynamic interplay between positive and negative space.

Technique & Style

De Castro employed simple yet effective techniques, using ink on transparentized paper to achieve crisp lines. The use of cross-hatching is also evident, demonstrating the artist's ability to build nuanced shading and texture through line work.

Context

As a key figure in the Neo-Concrete Movement, de Castro's work reflects the group's emphasis on sensory and spatial experimentation in art, pushing the boundaries of traditional visual representation.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Willys de Castro

Artist

Willys de Castro

Willys de Castro (February 16, 1926 – June 5, 1988) was a Brazilian visual artist, poet, graphic designer, industrial designer, stage designer and magazine editor.

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