Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Jerry Phillips. It dates from 2003 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2003, this untitled drawing by Jerry Phillips consists of four identical profile heads rendered in pencil on paper. The figures are arranged side by side, each turned toward the left, and occupy the entire surface without any discernible background. The work is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents four mask‑like faces, their features reduced to essential lines and planes. The eyes are rendered as hollow black ovals, and the skin is shaded smoothly, giving the impression of an interior void. The repetition and the stark emptiness suggest themes of anonymity, uniformity, or the loss of individual identity.
Technique & Style
Phillips employs delicate pencil strokes to model the contours of the heads, using subtle gradations of tone to suggest volume around the lips and eyes. The shading is even and controlled, creating a smooth surface that contrasts with the stark, unfilled eye sockets. The overall aesthetic is minimalist, relying on line and tone rather than detail.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, becoming a representative example of early‑2000s drawing practice in the United States. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s interest in contemporary works that explore the limits of drawing as a medium.
Artist & collection
