Blue Divided by Blue | Mark Rothko, 1966

Mark Rothko was a pioneering artist of the 20^th century. Born in Latvia, he moved to New York City and became a prominent member of the New York School in the late 1940’s. He with several artists including Clyfford Still developed a new movement within Abstract Expressionism. It is called Color Field and seems to speak to our current, unique times.

Within Color Field painting, Rothko hoped to call us to epic human themes without the nostalgic glasses of history or illustration. His paintings prompt new eyes and wide open and personal interpretations. There is no imitation here. Rothko’s painted questions of yearning, of transcendence and the infinite are answered with our attention and spirit. He felt his works were filled with content and brimming with ideas. He seemed to believe his canvases were begun with his brush and completed with the viewer’s perspective.

During these times of chaos swirling around a pandemic, the economy, racial injustice, politics and an election, Rothko’s work may be just what we need. The beautiful blues of this piece might help us catch our breath, exhale and inhale, and find a peace beyond this world. We are invited to move into this unfamiliar blue field with curiosity and initiative. God’s hope, assurance and inspiration may be waiting for us there.

In hope and faith,

Sandy Prouty