“Black, Red and Black” is an abstract artwork created by Mark Rothko in 1968. This piece is associated with the Color Field Painting movement and is currently housed at the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum in Madrid, Spain.
The artwork features a prominent abstract composition characterized by broad, encompassing fields of color. It is dominated by a deep, almost opaque black background, which serves as the primary visual element. Centrally, a vivid, horizontal band of intense red stands out starkly against the dark surroundings. This interplay of stark black and vivid red creates a powerful visual and emotional contrast, which is typical of Rothko’s work. The brushstrokes are evident, particularly in the red band, which adds a textural quality and sense of dynamism to the otherwise tranquil and somber composition. This work exemplifies Rothko’s exploration of color, light, and space, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in its emotive depth.