Untitled (Sketch for Harvard Mural) c. 1961

This is a sketch for a Harvard mural, by Mark Rothko. He made it using what looks like ink and watercolor. What strikes me is how Rothko is thinking through the process; the marks feel tentative, like he's feeling his way through the composition. It's all about material aspects, you know? The thin washes of pink watercolor create a luminous surface, while the darker ink lines give definition and structure. The whole piece hovers between representation and abstraction. It’s like he is searching for a form that can contain and express something beyond words. Look at the way the ink bleeds into the watercolor in the central form. It’s like a metaphor for the way emotions can seep into our consciousness, blurring the boundaries of our perceptions. You can see a similar feeling in the work of Agnes Martin, where the delicate lines and washes create a sense of quiet contemplation. Ultimately, art isn't about answers, it's about embracing ambiguity.