Untitled

Mogens Balle, 1966

MEDIUMRed and black ballpoint pens on ivory tracing paper
DIMENSIONS15 × 10 cm (5 15/16 × 3 15/16 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago

This small, untitled drawing by Mogens Balle, created with ballpoint pens, embodies the artist's spontaneous and abstract style, reflecting the experimental spirit of the COBRA movement.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

Mogens Balle, a Danish artist known for his experimental approach, created this untitled work in 1966 using simple red and black ballpoint pens on tracing paper. This piece, measuring just 15 by 10 centimeters, offers a fascinating glimpse into his abstract explorations. Balle was associated with the COBRA movement, a European avant-garde group active from 1948 to 1951, which emphasized spontaneity, expression, and a rejection of traditional art forms. While this artwork was made well after COBRA officially disbanded, its raw energy and directness align with the spirit of the movement. He often worked with a sense of playful improvisation, creating forms that could be interpreted as figures, landscapes, or pure abstractions. This small drawing, made with everyday materials, invites close looking and personal interpretation, reflecting Balle's ongoing interest in subconscious imagery and uninhibited creation.

ART MOVEMENTS
CoBrA
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

1

The interplay of red and black lines

2

The transparency of the tracing paper

3

The spontaneous, almost scribbled quality

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Audio Deep Dive

This small, untitled drawing by Mogens Balle, created with ballpoint pens, embodies the artist's spontaneous and abstract style, reflecting the experimental sp…

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THE ARTIST
Mogens Balle 1921–1988 · Kingdom of Denmark

Mogens Balle, a Danish painter, created vibrant, abstract works, often exploring the spontaneous and experimental.

Read Mogens's full story in Art Whisper
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