No.61 (Rust and Blue) (1953) by Mark Rothko

No.61 (Rust and Blue) - Mark Rothko - 1953

Artwork Information

TitleNo.61 (Rust and Blue)
ArtistMark Rothko
Date1953
Mediumoil
Dimensions115 x 92 cm
Art MovementColor Field Painting
Current LocationMuseum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles, CA, US

About No.61 (Rust and Blue)

The artwork titled “No.61 (Rust and Blue)” was created in 1953 by artist Mark Rothko. Executed in oil, this piece is a representative of the Color Field Painting movement and is housed at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, California, USA. The abstract composition, measuring 115 by 92 centimeters, reveals Rothko’s characteristic style within this genre.

The artwork is composed of large, soft-edged areas of color that blend and contrast in a harmoniously balanced manner. Dominated by three horizontal bands, the uppermost band is a rich rust color that transitions subtly into the luminous blue of the central band. The lowest band appears as a deep, darkened blue, almost merging into a shadowy undertone. Rothko’s technique involves a delicate layering of oil paint, giving the colors a vibrant yet ethereal quality. The boundary lines between the color fields are blurred and softened, creating a serene and contemplative visual experience. This profound simplicity and abstract form evoke an emotional response, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the atmospheric depth and infinite spaces of the artwork.

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