In the 2000s, Brice Marden continued to evolve his artistic vision, deepening his exploration into the realms of color, light, and form that had always been central to his work. This period is marked by his continued integration of Eastern philosophies and aesthetics, a journey that began in the late 1980s and early 1990s, notably with his Cold Mountain series inspired by the Tang dynasty poet Han Shan. Marden's engagement with Asian art and philosophy, especially Chinese calligraphy, had a profound impact on his work, leading to an art that is both abstract and deeply grounded in the gestural and the expressive. One of the defining works of this era is "The Propitious Garden of Plane Image, Third Version" (2000-06), a luminous six-panel painting that encapsulates the essence of Marden's late style. This work exemplifies Marden's nuanced approach to color and his unique ability to create complex, layered compositions that invite slow contemplation and engagement. The paintings from this period are characterized by their interlocking and knotted lines, demonstrating Marden's skill in balancing spontaneity and precision​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​. Marden's work in the 2000s also reflects his ongoing interest in the material and tactile qualities of painting. He continued to work with encaustic, a medium that combines pigment with beeswax, creating surfaces that are rich in texture and depth. This choice of materials adds a physical dimension to his paintings, emphasizing the act of making and the presence of the artist's hand. Throughout his career, Marden has been recognized for his contributions to the art world with numerous exhibitions and retrospectives. One notable exhibition was "Brice Marden: A Retrospective of Paintings and Drawings," held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2006. This major survey presented over fifty years of Marden's work, drawing from all phases of his career and showcasing the evolution of his style and technique. The exhibition highlighted Marden's ability to reinvent his working methods and aesthetic concerns over the decades, offering viewers a comprehensive look at his artistic journey​ (Wikipedia)​. Marden's art in the 2000s stands as a testament to his enduring quest for new means of expression within the abstract idiom. His work from this period continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth, formal innovation, and the subtle, evocative use of color and line that has defined his practice since the 1960s. Through his exploration of Eastern art and philosophy, Marden has created a body of work that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, offering a profound meditation on the nature of perception, experience, and beauty.