Central Asia 45n 90e

Creative Rationale

Over the high Tibetan Plateau near the border of western China and Mongolia, extreme cold and aridity create harsh atmospheric conditions at this elevated location. The frigid temperature of 34 Kelvin (-239°C) drives deep blues and blacks reminiscent of Rothko's most contemplative period, while the very low humidity creates muted luminosity and the moderate wind softly blurs the boundaries between three horizontal bands of color. The relatively high pressure allows for three distinct color fields with breathing room between them, evoking the profound isolation and spiritual intensity of this remote high-altitude landscape.