Nebraska 1966

Here we see Brice Marden's serene painting, 'Nebraska'. Marden, emerging from a generation grappling with the weight of Abstract Expressionism, sought to redefine the boundaries of painting. Marden's minimalist approach encourages a meditative experience, inviting us to consider how identity is formed through our interaction with space and color. Color is key to unlocking this painting. In 'Nebraska', the muted tones evoke the vast, open landscapes of the American Midwest. This color choice is not accidental. How might the cultural perception of rural America—often associated with simplicity, authenticity, and a certain kind of stoicism—shape our understanding of this work? Marden once said that he sought to create paintings that were "real things in a real space." This statement encourages us to reflect on the emotional and psychological space that artworks occupy, and how they interact with our personal experiences. 'Nebraska' is an invitation to slow down, to contemplate, and to find a sense of stillness amidst the chaos of contemporary life.