In the 2000s, Robert Ryman continued his exploration of the possibilities within painting, maintaining his focus on materiality, the interplay of light and surface, and the spatial dynamics between artwork and viewer. A notable work from this period is "Philadelphia Prototype" (2002), an installation at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts featuring acrylic on vinyl sheets and wall. This piece exemplifies Ryman's experimental approach, blending painting with installation to engage with the architectural space directly​ (Art21)​. Throughout the decade, Ryman produced a series of works that further delved into the nuances of white paint on canvas, as seen in works like "Series #17 (White)" (2003) and "Series #13 (White)" (2004). These paintings, varying in size and texture, underscore Ryman's continued commitment to examining the fundamentals of painting, where the focus lies on the act of painting itself, the canvas, and the subtle interplay of light and shadow​ (Art21)​. In the late stages of his career, Ryman's work did not wane in its experimental nature. As highlighted in his last paintings created in 2010 and 2011, Ryman revisited and expanded upon the themes and methods that had defined his practice for over five decades. His late compositions, characterized by heavily worked surfaces and layers of white paint, reveal a rich textural depth and nuanced color variations beneath the whites, linking back to the color elements of his earliest significant works from the 1950s and 1960s. These pieces underscore Ryman's enduring inquiry into painting's essence and the possibilities of white paint to render visible the nuanced interactions of light, texture, and surface​ (David Zwirner)​. Ryman's work in the 2000s and his concluding series emphasize not just a physical exploration of painting but also a philosophical one. Ryman himself stated that his approach to painting was "not limited at all," citing the absence of a narrative, symbolism, or a story to tell as factors that allowed him to experiment freely. This perspective encapsulates the essence of Ryman's work: a relentless pursuit of painting's possibilities, guided by a deep engagement with its material and conceptual foundations​ (Art21)​. Ryman's contributions during the 2000s affirm his position as a critical figure in contemporary art, whose work continues to inspire discussions about painting's role and potential in the broader context of art history.