No. 7 1964

Mark Rothko’s No. 7 is an oil on canvas painting, exemplifying Abstract Expressionism. Rothko built up layers of diluted paint, a technique requiring meticulousness and time. This wasn't about quick brushstrokes, but careful saturation allowing each layer to interact and create depth. The canvas itself becomes a field for atmospheric effect, transforming what could be a simple painting process into something more profound. The apparent simplicity belies a labor-intensive process. Rothko's work prompts us to question the value we place on both labor and materials. His paintings, seemingly devoid of recognizable imagery, challenge traditional ideas of artistic skill. It's not about representation, but about the experience of color and form. We are left to contemplate the amount of work involved in production, and how its value extends beyond its physical components. Ultimately, Rothko's approach reminds us that art's meaning is rooted in its making, urging us to reconsider distinctions between craft and fine art.