Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a glass drawing by Rachel Selekman. It dates from 2003 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 2003 by Rachel Selekman, this work is a small-scale drawing composed of glass beads and green thread sewn directly onto paper.
Created in 2003 by Rachel Selekman, this work is a small-scale drawing composed of glass beads and green thread sewn directly onto paper. Its minimal palette and restrained composition emphasize materiality over representation. The piece resides in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art, where it is recognized for its quiet engagement with craft traditions and the physical presence of humble materials.
Subject & Meaning
The work evokes organic forms, such as hanging vines or frayed fibers, without depicting them literally. The clustered beads and loose threads suggest growth, decay, or entanglement, inviting contemplation of natural processes rendered through handmade intervention. Its ambiguity resists fixed interpretation, instead focusing on the sensory experience of texture and weight suspended in space.
Technique & Style
Selekman stitched glass beads and thread directly onto paper using precise, labor-intensive handwork. The beads catch light subtly, contrasting with the matte surface of the paper and the dull sheen of the thread. The strands hang freely, creating a fragile, almost ephemeral structure that blurs boundaries between drawing, textile, and sculpture.
History & Provenance
The work entered The Museum of Modern Art’s collection shortly after its creation, reflecting the institution’s interest in post-2000 practices that expand drawing beyond traditional media. No prior exhibition or ownership history is publicly documented beyond its acquisition by the museum, suggesting it was produced as a discrete, intimate object rather than part of a larger series.
Context
Emerging in the early 2000s, this piece aligns with a broader artistic interest in non-traditional materials and process-driven work. Selekman’s use of beads and thread connects to craft histories often excluded from fine art, while its simplicity echoes Minimalist and Conceptual approaches that prioritize material presence over narrative.
Legacy
The work contributes to an expanded understanding of drawing as a medium that incorporates textile, sculpture, and craft techniques. It exemplifies how everyday, overlooked materials can carry perceptual weight and invite slow, tactile engagement. Its presence in a major museum affirms the legitimacy of such approaches within contemporary art discourse.
Artist & collection
