Monotype, 1961

Inspired by mysticism and it’s bearing on art, Mark Tobey was an abstract painter whose works incorporated elements of Eastern Religion, international travels and Asian Calligraphy resulting in his own unique style that he dubbed ‘white writing’ - this technique involved using a base comprised of thousands of individual but interwoven brushstrokes, topped by a number of white calligraphic symbols and marks; such works as Broadway, Welcome Hero and Broadway norm showcase his white writing. Upon studying Zen painting while traveling Japan, Tobey began to create as a means of reflection and gave less emphasis to emotion, stating “I believe that painting should come through the avenues of meditation rather than the canals of action” - his unique methods, some of which had not yet been showcased in American art, inspired several younger artists, most notably Jackson Pollock. (Artist website)