Abstraction c. 1944

This is Mark Rothko's "Abstraction," an undated painting that embodies the artist's exploration of color and form as conduits for emotional expression. Rothko, an immigrant from Russia, found himself amidst the cultural and political shifts of mid-20th century America. "Abstraction" presents a series of shapes rendered in soft hues of red, peach, yellow, and black, set against a muted background. These aren’t just colors, but rather emotional landscapes where identity and inner experience meet. Rothko once said he was interested in "basic human emotions—tragedy, ecstasy, doom." The layered colors create a sense of depth and luminosity, inviting viewers into a meditative space. As a departure from traditional representation, Rothko's abstract forms reflect a desire to express deeper truths about the human condition, reflecting both personal and collective anxieties and aspirations. It is through color and form that we engage with our own vulnerabilities and resilience.