Dorothea Rockburne

Incorporating concepts from mathematics and astronomy into her work—fields of study that she first encountered during her undergraduate work at the famed Black Mountain College—Dorothea Rockburne explores the relationship between shapes, emotions, and the realm of the metaphysical. Often working in a palette of bright blues, oranges, purples, and reds, Rockburne creates vibrant abstract paintings and collages often inspired by the historical links between mysticism and geometry, such as the golden ratio.

Rockburne was awarded the National Academy Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, and has been the subject of solo exhibitions at institutions including the Parrish Art Museum, Black College Museum and Art Center, and the Rose Art Museum, among others.