New River Watercolor, Series IV, No. 6 1988

John Cage created this watercolor as part of his ‘New River’ series. Cage was a highly influential avant-garde composer, writer, and artist, whose work often challenged conventional notions of art and its role in society. This series reflects Cage's interest in chance operations and Zen Buddhism, concepts that encouraged him to relinquish control over the artistic process. The image uses visual codes suggesting the natural world but simultaneously disrupts traditional landscape painting, reflecting Cage's broader project of critiquing artistic conventions. Made in the United States, at a time when environmental awareness was growing, these works reveal the social values of the time. Cage’s approach, mirroring nature's inherent randomness, encouraged audiences to question established forms and embrace uncertainty. The interpretation of art is contingent on its social context, and understanding an artist like Cage requires research into the cultural and philosophical movements that influenced him.