The artwork titled “No. 21,” created by Mark Rothko in 1949, is an abstract oil painting that belongs to the Abstract Expressionism movement. The genre is recognized as abstract, reflecting Rothko’s unique approach during this period.
The artwork demonstrates Rothko’s characteristic use of color and form. It features an array of imperceptibly blended hues, including dominant shades of red, orange, and blue. The composition is a blend of roughly rectangular shapes interspersed with amorphous forms, creating a sense of depth and movement. The soft, diffused edges and translucent layers of paint evoke a meditative and emotive response. With no discernible figures or objects, the focus is entirely on the emotional resonance of color and form, encapsulating the essence of Abstract Expressionism.
