Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite drawing by Jonathan Monk. It dates from 1996 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, created in 1996 by American artist Jonathan Monk, is a mixed-media work that combines cut-and-pasted printed paper, a gelatin‑silver photographic element, and pencil drawing on paper. Classified as a drawing, the piece is part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Subject & Meaning
A handwritten note in pencil reading “if only” appears in the upper‑right corner, adding a personal, contemplative tone.
The composition centers on a figure with short, gray hair and round black sunglasses, dressed in a black shirt. He holds a large camera to his face, its lens directed toward the viewer, and the lens itself contains a circular cutout revealing a black‑and‑white portrait of a man's face. A handwritten note in pencil reading “if only” appears in the upper‑right corner, adding a personal, contemplative tone.
Technique & Style
Monk constructs the image by cutting the figure from a separate sheet of printed paper and adhering it to a plain white background, creating a stark, layered effect. The inclusion of a gelatin‑silver print within the camera lens and the informal pencil script exemplify his interest in juxtaposing photographic processes with hand‑made mark‑making.
History & Provenance
The work was produced in 1996 and subsequently entered the Museum of Modern Art’s collection, where it remains on view. Its acquisition reflects MoMA’s commitment to documenting contemporary practices that blend photography, drawing, and collage.
Context
During the mid‑1990s Monk explored the boundaries between photographic representation and drawing, often employing cut‑out techniques to question the materiality of images. Untitled aligns with this period of experimentation, foregrounding the interplay of media and the role of the viewer in interpreting fragmented visual narratives.
Artist & collection
