“Orange and Yellow,” a remarkable piece by artist Mark Rothko, was created in 1956. This abstract work, rendered in oil on canvas, is an exemplary piece within the Color Field Painting movement. The artwork, measuring 231 x 180.3 cm, is currently housed in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, USA.
The artwork is characterized by its large, luminous fields of color, predominantly featuring a vibrant yellow that transitions into a rich orange hue. Rothko’s technique involves the application of layered, semi-transparent washes of paint that create a sense of depth and luminosity. The composition is divided into two main sections: the upper half adorned in yellow and the lower part in orange, with the colors seamlessly merging at the central boundary. The edges of the rectangular forms are soft, blurring into the surrounding color fields, which enhances the emotive power of the piece. Rothko’s mastery in the interplay of colors evokes a contemplative, almost spiritual response, drawing the viewer into an immersive experience.
