Central Asia 45n 50e

Creative Rationale

Over the steppes of Kazakhstan, where vast grasslands stretch toward the Ural Mountains, an extremely cold temperature of 9.9 Kelvin creates an otherworldly arctic atmosphere far below any natural occurrence. This impossible cold drives the composition toward Rothko's most contemplative palette of deep ultramarines and blacks, while the high pressure of 1021.5 Pa suggests three distinct color bands with breathing room between them. The moderate wind from the northwest and high humidity of 86% create softly vibrating edges and an inner luminosity that makes the frigid colors seem to glow with mysterious energy.