Accession Number
2013/2.304

Title
Untitled

Artist(s)
Sam Mackey

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
circa 1977-1992

Medium & Support
crayon and graphite on paper

Dimensions
17 1/2 in x 11 3/8 in (44.45 cm x 28.89 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of H. David Zucca

Subject matter
In this drawing, Mackey depicts a smiling figure, a common theme in much of his artwork. The Detroit-based artist was self-taught and provided inspiration and guidance for his grandson, Detroit artist Tyree Guyton. In this work, the line work and selective placement of bright oranges and reds gives the work the sense of energy and expressiveness that characterizes Mackey's work.

Physical Description
This drawing has an image of a figure at the center. Drawn on reused paper, glossy on the back and matte on the front, the figure has dark eyes, two large red circles in the chest area and orange pants. There are swirling red and grey throughout the background with a blue border on all four sides. The drawing is signed in blue ink at the center "Sam Mackey".

Primary Object Classification
Drawing

Primary Object Type
cartoon

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
crayons (drawing material)
figures (representations)
line drawings (drawings)
self-taught artists