Throughout the 1990s, Mark Tansey continued to evolve and refine his distinctive approach to painting, marked by his meticulous and pseudo-realist style. His works from this period often depicted complex, surreal scenarios rendered in monochrome, engaging deeply with themes of history, reality, and representation. One notable example of Tansey's work from this era is "Valley of Doubt" (1990), where he delves into the history of art itself. The painting foregrounds Mont Sainte-Victoire, famously painted by Paul Cézanne, symbolizing the avant-garde artists' quest in the shadow of Cézanne’s modernist ideals. In "Valley of Doubt," soldiers representing these artists are seen struggling to find direction, separated from the mountain by a vast valley. This piece is a profound meditation on the transition from the tangible challenges of representing the world to the more abstract debates that would dominate art in the subsequent decades​ (Whitney Museum of American Art)​. Tansey's work during this period is also characterized by his unique painting technique. For instance, in creating "Valley of Doubt," he applied oil paint across the canvas and then used rags to blot some of it away, crafting a texture-rich scene that compels the viewer to actively search for meaning. This technique emphasizes the laborious process of discerning the image, integrating the search for meaning as an essential part of experiencing his art​ (Whitney Museum of American Art)​. In 1991, the MIT List Visual Arts Center showcased "Mark Tansey: Art and Source," an exhibition that further solidified Tansey’s reputation. This exhibition featured four large-scale monochromatic paintings alongside over 40 preparatory works and source materials. Through these works, Tansey continued to explore his fascination with the interplay between reality, illusion, and representation. His paintings, such as "A Short History of Modernist Painting" and "White on White" (1986), demonstrate his ability to weave together narrative, precision, and a deep engagement with philosophical and literary themes. The exhibition underscored Tansey’s belief that our understanding of reality is shaped by the representational tools at our disposal, which are inherently limited and often misleading​ (MIT List Visual Arts Center)​. Tansey's art from the 1990s remains a testament to his skillful blend of narrative and technique, where each piece invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of art and the world around them. Through his works, Tansey challenges viewers to engage with art not just as a passive experience but as an active interrogation of reality and representation.