Untitled (Brown and gray) 1969

This painting, Untitled (Brown and Gray), was made by Mark Rothko, using oil paint on canvas. Look closely, and you can see the material presence of the paint itself. Notice how the brushstrokes create subtle variations in texture, weight, and color. Rothko’s process involved layering thin washes of paint, building up luminosity through successive applications. There’s no esoteric high-tech material here, just humble paint – but applied with careful attention. Yet this simplicity is deceptive. Consider the labor involved in preparing the canvas, mixing the paints, and applying them with such precision. Rothko engaged with a long tradition of painting, pushing its boundaries to express profound emotion through abstract form. The canvas becomes a field for contemplation, inviting us to consider the relationship between material, process, and meaning. Ultimately, understanding Rothko's work requires us to look beyond traditional art history, and consider the significance of materials, making, and context in unlocking the painting's full potential.