Pair 

This is an abstract painting by the Romanian artist Roman Cotosman, whose art probes the depths of human emotion. Cotosman was working at a time when artists were seeking new ways to express the complexity of human life, often turning away from traditional modes of representation. The two blocks could represent two people, or two ideas, interacting with each other, with the subtle variations in color hinting at the nuances of human relationships. The flat planes of color and geometric forms suggest the influence of modernism, but the deeply felt emotion embedded in the artwork goes beyond mere formalism. As art historians, we look at how art is made and received in its specific time and place. We consider not only the artist's intention but also the social and institutional context in which they were working. By studying the cultural history of Romania, we can understand how Cotosman’s work challenged social norms.