Untitled 1969

Mark Rothko made this untitled artwork using oil paint on paper, and it's a great example of how material choices shape meaning. Rothko thinned his oil paints, allowing them to stain the paper rather than sit on the surface, and notice how this technique blurs the boundary between color and support. The pigment is soaked into the paper, it merges the ground and the color creating an ethereal quality. The effect is further heightened by the deckled edge, an irregular, rough edge which is typical of handmade papers, giving an intimate, hand-crafted quality. Rothko's process, though seemingly simple, demanded careful layering and control, a testament to his skill. It is a far cry from the slick, mass-produced surfaces of industrial design. This hand-worked quality invites us to consider the time and care invested in its creation. This approach elevates what might be seen as mere materials to become a deeply expressive artwork.