The artwork, titled “No.18,” was created by the artist Mark Rothko in 1951. It is a prime example of Color Field Painting within the abstract genre.
The artwork is characterized by its large expanses of color, which Rothko meticulously constructed to evoke particular emotions and perceptions. Dominated by a robust block of warm orange at the top that contrasts with a lighter, ethereal white expanse beneath it, the composition is both simple and profound. A narrow, irregular horizontal band of mixed color subtly separates the two dominant sections, incorporating hints of cooler and darker tones. The edges of the color fields are softly blurred, creating a sense of depth and blending that invites the viewer into a contemplative state. The simplicity of forms and the harmonious color palette are quintessential elements of Rothko’s work, exemplifying the meditative and immersive experience central to Abstract Expressionism.
