The Zone

The composition “Zone” is inspired by the painting of the same name (“The Zone”) by Philip Guston from 1953/54. This painting belongs to a body of work that differs from his characteristic style, particularly due to its pronounced abstract nature. “In the painting, a series of reddish-pink brushstrokes are concentrated in the center of the canvas, floating against a pale, neutral background that varies in tone from dusty pink to beige. This central aggregation of marks creates a sense of a zone, energy, or activity, which contrasts with the calmer surrounding space” (“Zone - Philip Guston”). In the composition, this visual contrast is translated into sound through the relationship between the violin, which takes on a solo role, and the piano and vibraphone, which function as accompaniment. The “zone” is expressed through microtones in the violin, which contrast with the soft, sustained (pedal) tones of the piano and vibraphone. These, in turn, serve as a calm background, analogous to the gentle colors in the painting. The distinctiveness and authenticity of the central part of the painting, which does not fully integrate with its surroundings, is reflected in the musical flow as well: the violin rhythmically separates itself from the rest of the ensemble, disrupting the unity of timbre and character of the composition. Assuming that the intentions of the composer and the painter were closely aligned, a similar auditory and visual impression of imbalance is achieved— one that, in an atypical way, nonetheless creates a coherent overall unity of the work.

“Zone - Philip Guston (1953–54).” Artchive, www.artchive.com/artwork/zone-philip-guston 1953 54/. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

The photograph of the painting used in this project was provided by the Philip Guston Foundation and is used with permission for artistic purposes.

© The Estate of Philip Guston. Courtesy the Guston Foundation

Recoreded at studio FMU