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51 reviews
July 15,2025
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Not quite a book, this work was actually compiled from Rothko's papers after his untimely death. As a consequence, it delves into a plethora of different topics. Sometimes, it even makes abrupt jumps to entirely different tracks between chapters. One recurring theme that emerges is Rothko's vehement defense of his work as figurative rather than abstract. The word "abstract" seemed to be one that he held in particular disdain, especially when it was hurled at him by critics.


On a side note, Mark Rothko endured a lifelong battle with despair, which ultimately led him to take his own life. It is almost impossible not to read this profound sense of melancholy into his paintings. If you have ever had the privilege of seeing one of his works in person, you would be struck by their ponderous nature, their heavy-weighted presence, and on the whole, their quite somber tone.

July 15,2025
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Reading this book was truly an enlightening experience. It was as if I was enrolled in an abbreviated art appreciation class, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The content was not only interesting but also highly informative. However, I must admit that not having had any formal philosophy classes in the past made it a bit of a challenge to read. There were times when I struggled to understand the complex ideas and concepts presented. But I am glad that I stuck it out. In retrospect, I realize that it was a fruitful experience. Through this book, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the long and intricate relationship between art and religion. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities and made me appreciate the power and significance of both art and religion in our lives.

July 15,2025
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Have you seen the play Red? It is a remarkable and thought-provoking piece of theater that delves deep into the mind and art of the renowned painter Mark Rothko.

The play takes us on a journey through Rothko's creative process, his struggles, and his unwavering dedication to his craft. It explores the complex themes of art, money, success, and the meaning of life.

Rothko's works are known for their bold colors and powerful compositions. They have the ability to evoke strong emotions and make us question our own perception of the world. In the play, we get a closer look at the man behind the art, his insecurities, his fears, and his ultimate quest for artistic purity.

If you haven't seen the play Red yet, I highly recommend it. It will not only give you a greater appreciation for Rothko's art but also make you think about the role of art in our lives.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and experience the magic of Red for yourself!
July 15,2025
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This book is truly an absolute treasure.

Before delving into it, with any preconceived notions, I could never have predicted the captivating contents within its pages. However, after reading it, it has become, and only is, all that I have ever known or thought of him.

Undeniably, it takes the reader on a remarkable trip into the mind of Rothko, both the artist and the fanatic.

Essentially, he manages to tap into an essence of art, perhaps even the very essence of art itself. This essence has fascinated humans since the very first marks were noticed, dating all the way back to ancient times. It extends right up to what was on Rothko's doorstep and infinitely beyond.

It is a journey that allows us to explore the depths of Rothko's creative genius and understand the profound impact his art has had and continues to have on the world.

This book is not just a collection of words; it is a portal into a world of artistic inspiration and passion.

It is a must-read for anyone who has an interest in art, creativity, or the human mind.

Once you start reading, you will be unable to put it down, as it will draw you in and keep you engaged until the very last page.

It is a literary masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

July 15,2025
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Ca ne m'intéresse pas. This is the writing of an artist oriented towards art theory, rather masculine and classical. The introduction by Christopher Rothko is already quite strange. He specifies that not all the texts that follow will be interesting and some need to be put back into their historical context as they no longer correspond to the morality of our time. I will return to it if I am really tempted to delve into Rothko's work. However, after my visit to his retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, I don't have much hope.


To expand on this, let's say that the art theory presented seems to be from a bygone era. It may have been relevant in its time, but in today's more diverse and evolving society, it feels a bit out of place. The mention of some texts not being interesting or needing to be contextualized makes one wonder what exactly is in store. It makes the whole endeavor seem a bit of a chore rather than something exciting and engaging. And after visiting the retrospective, which one would assume would have piqued more interest, the lack of hope is understandable. Maybe there is more to discover, but based on the initial impressions, it's hard to be overly optimistic.

July 15,2025
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Christopher Rothko accomplished an outstanding task of transforming notes into a book.

Nevertheless, that's precisely what it is - a draft that has been converted into a published work. He remained faithful to his father's vision, yet the vision was not fully realized.

If you are a Rothko enthusiast, it is indeed worth reading as it provides you with an understanding of his artistic philosophy.

Nonetheless, it is a creation of its era and may have certain limitations.

Despite this, it still offers valuable insights and can be an interesting addition to the collection of those interested in Rothko's work and ideas.

Overall, while it may not be a perfect or definitive work, it does have its merits and can contribute to the ongoing exploration and appreciation of Rothko's art.
July 15,2025
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It feels as if this work is specifically crafted for the purpose of clarification. It is done for himself alone. This might very well be the case, considering the fact that he never published it.

He may have felt the need to sort out his thoughts and ideas, to make sense of something that was perhaps bothering him or that he wanted to understand more deeply. By writing it, he could explore different perspectives and come to a better understanding of the subject matter.

Maybe he was not ready to share his work with the world, or perhaps he felt that it was not yet in a finished state. Whatever the reason, this work remains a personal exploration, a testament to his inner journey of discovery.

It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most important work we do is for ourselves, a way to make sense of our experiences and to grow as individuals.
July 15,2025
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Expressionist theories have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century.

These theories emerged as a response to the changing social and cultural landscape of the time, with artists and thinkers seeking new ways to express the inner emotions and experiences of individuals.

The origins of expressionist theories can be traced back to a variety of sources, including the works of philosophers such as Friedrich Nietzsche and Søren Kierkegaard, as well as the artistic movements of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism.

However, it is important to note that the development of expressionist theories was not without its critics. Some accused expressionists of being overly emotional and lacking in intellectual rigor, while others saw their work as a form of self-indulgence.

Despite these criticisms, expressionist theories have had a significant impact on the art world and continue to influence artists and thinkers today.

Whether you love or hate expressionism, there is no denying its importance in the history of modern art.
July 15,2025
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The Virgin Mark Rothko: "The Art of Primitive Races"

The Chad Jackson Pollock: "I have always been very impressed with the plastic qualities of American Indian art. The Indians have the true painter’s approach in their capacity to get hold of appropriate images... and in their understanding... their color.... "

Mark Rothko is often regarded as a figure with a somewhat "virgin" or untainted view of art, especially when it comes to his exploration of "the art of primitive races." His work was deeply influenced by the raw and elemental qualities he found in such art forms. On the other hand, Jackson Pollock, or "The Chad" as he might be playfully referred to, had a profound admiration for American Indian art. He was highly impressed by its plastic qualities, which he believed demonstrated the Indians' true painterly approach. Their ability to capture appropriate images and their understanding of color were aspects that Pollock found truly remarkable and influential in his own artistic journey. Both Rothko and Pollock, in their unique ways, were drawn to the power and beauty of these diverse art traditions, which would go on to shape their own distinct artistic expressions.
July 15,2025
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Mark Rothko is truly one of my most cherished artists.

His works possess an extraordinary quality that showcases the remarkable power of color. Even in the simplest of compositions, the colors he uses have the ability to invigorate and bring the piece to life.

However, it is with a sense of disappointment that I must mention this particular book. It is so extremely rambling that it becomes a challenge to extract the good ideas that it might actually contain.

The author's pomposity and his evident hatred for the establishment seem to overshadow any potentially valuable insights.

It is a pity that such a talented artist's work is being somewhat marred by this less-than-stellar written piece.

One can only hope that future works related to Mark Rothko will do justice to his artistic genius and present his ideas in a more coherent and engaging manner.
July 15,2025
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I discovered Mark Rothko as a Fine Arts student in New York.

This was one of the first books I read after seeing his artwork at MoMA. It truly opened the door to understanding his motivation and the thought process that lay behind the concept.

Of course, it is not a manifesto or an analysis written in a straightforward manner for the average reader. So, at times, it can be a hard read if you don't possess the same level of knowledge or if you struggle to understand what he's actually talking about.

However, that very aspect makes it all the more enticing. These are the genuine thoughts and ideas of the artist himself. His unique view of the world and art itself is laid out before us.

To me, that's precisely what makes this book so incredibly valuable. If you are an artist, this is definitely a must-read. It offers insights and perspectives that can inspire and expand your own artistic vision.

It's a journey into the mind of a great artist, and it's an opportunity not to be missed.
July 15,2025
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Tho' I'm not a fan of Rothko's art, I found his philosophies on Art quite good and thought provoking. His ideas really made me stop and think about the true nature of art.


He mostly refers to the plastic arts, but I feel this could be applied to any form of artistic expression. Whether it's painting, sculpture, music, or literature, his philosophies have the potential to offer valuable insights.


I would highly recommend Rothko's thoughts on art to any artist. They can serve as a source of inspiration and a means of expanding one's artistic视野. By exploring his ideas, artists can gain a deeper understanding of their own work and the broader context in which it exists.

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