MOMA ASSIGNMENT: 

Two of the paintings I chose were painted by Rothko because they were the most unique yet imaginative to me. The two paintings, arguably, are contrasting based on their color schemes: one is with dark shades of blue and purple, the other is with shades of pale yellow and blue. Both paintings have 3 distinct stripes on them, which intrigues the viewer into imagining something of their own. The dark painting makes me imagine a sunset or sorts because although the specific colors aren’t found in nature alone, they can be made when the sun in rising or setting. The darkness reminds me more of sunset, though. This painting could also have something to do with emotion, as the blues and purples might signify some sort of heavy sadness or melancholic feeling because they are so saturated. The lighter painting, on the other hand, prompts me to imagine the beach because the yellow reminds me of the sand, and the blue of the ocean/sky. This painting evokes happy thoughts, as it is difficult to picture something negative with such pastel and bright colors. I think Rothko chose both of these color schemes to juxtapose his paintings, and prompt the viewer to see what they want to see in the painting. The choice to refrain from portraying something certain helps provide a sense of freedom to envision something that relates to you, not just what relates to the artist.