Untitled 2-5-71 [study for "tattoo" book]

1971

James McCracken Jr.

Associated Names
James McCracken Jr.

Artist, American, 1942 - 2017

This is a drawing of abstract designs incorporating skull and beetle-like shapes. The image features four distinct designs, each housed within a circular boundary. The top section shows two circular designs that integrate skull-like features. The first design is a circle with a skull appearing to support or cradle something within its curved upper rim. Below it, another circular design shows a larger, thicker rim with an undulating pattern that resembles a tentacle or an abstract outer lip surrounding a void or object. The lower section of the image contains two stylized beetle-like motifs. These designs use bold black lines to depict creatures with segmented bodies, prominently featuring large heads with detailed facial features, such as eyes and what appear to be exaggerated teeth or expressive mouth shapes. The linework emphasizes symmetry and a balance between positive and negative space.
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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

The artist; to Private Collection; gift to NGA, 2021

Associated Names


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