Mark Rothko, originally named Marcus Rothkovitch, was born on Sept. 25, 1903, in Dvinsk, Russia, and passed away on Feb. 25, 1970, in New York City, U.S. He was an American painter who brought a sense of contemplative introspection to the post-World War II Abstract Expressionist school. His unique use of colour as the sole means of expression led to the development of Colour Field Painting.
In 1913, Rothko's family emigrated from Russia to the U.S. and settled in Portland, Ore. During his youth, he was deeply involved in politics and social issues. He entered Yale University in 1921 with the intention of becoming a labour leader but dropped out after two years and wandered across the U.S. In 1925, he settled in New York City and began to pursue painting. Although he briefly studied under the painter Max Weber, he was largely self-taught.
Rothko initially worked in a realistic style, which reached its peak with his Subway series in the late 1930s, depicting the loneliness of people in drab urban environments. This style gave way in the early 1940s to the semi-abstract biomorphic forms seen in the ritualistic Baptismal Scene (1945). By 1948, however, he had developed a highly personal form of Abstract Expressionism. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Rothko did not rely on dramatic techniques such as violent brushstrokes or the dripping and splattering of paint. Instead, his virtually gestureless paintings achieved their impact through the juxtaposition of large areas of melting colours that seemed to float parallel to the picture plane in an indeterminate, atmospheric space.
Rothko spent the remainder of his life refining this basic style through continuous simplification. He limited his designs to two or three "soft-edged" rectangles that nearly filled the wall-sized vertical formats, resembling monumental abstract icons. Despite their large size, his paintings exuded a remarkable sense of intimacy through the play of nuances within the local colour.
From 1958 to 1966, Rothko worked intermittently on a series of 14 immense canvases, the largest of which was approximately 11 × 15 feet (3 × 5 metres). These paintings were eventually placed in a nondenominational chapel in Houston, Texas, which was named the Rothko Chapel after his death. These works were virtual monochromes of darkly glowing browns, maroons, reds, and blacks, their sombre intensity revealing the deep mysticism of Rothko's later years. Plagued by ill health and the belief that he had been forgotten by those artists who had learned the most from his painting, he took his own life.
After his death, the execution of Rothko's will led to one of the most spectacular and complex court cases in the history of modern art, lasting for 11 years (1972–82). The misanthropic Rothko had hoarded 798 paintings, as well as many sketches and drawings. His daughter, Kate Rothko, accused the executors of the estate (Bernard J. Reis, Theodoros Stamos, and Morton Levine) and Frank Lloyd, the owner of Marlborough Galleries in New York City, of conspiracy and conflict of interest in selling the works, effectively enriching themselves. The courts ruled against the executors and Lloyd, who were heavily fined. Lloyd was tried separately and convicted on criminal charges of tampering with evidence. In 1979, a new board of the Mark Rothko Foundation was established, and all the works in the estate were divided between the artist's two children and the Foundation. In 1984, the Foundation's share of works was distributed to 19 museums in the United States, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Israel, with the best and largest proportion going to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Source: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mark-Rothko

I truly loved it. It was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. The moment I encountered it, I was immediately drawn in.

And as for him, I have an indescribable affection. He is someone who has a special charm that attracts me like a magnet. Every time I see him, my heart skips a beat.

His presence brings a sense of warmth and comfort to my life. I find myself constantly thinking about him, wondering what he is doing, how his day is going.

Whether it's the way he smiles, the sound of his voice, or the look in his eyes, everything about him is simply captivating. I can't help but fall deeper and deeper in love with him with each passing day.

I hope this feeling lasts forever and that we can create many beautiful memories together.

I really wanted to prepare myself for the Rothko exhibition in Paris.

This anticipation has filled me with great excitement.

I am extremely eager and cannot wait to experience this exhibition.

The works of Rothko have always fascinated me with their unique colors and profound emotions.

I believe that this exhibition will be a wonderful opportunity to get closer to his art and gain a deeper understanding of his creative spirit.

I have been doing a lot of research and reading about Rothko in advance to make the most of this visit.

I am looking forward to seeing the actual paintings and being immersed in the artistic atmosphere that Rothko has created.

It will surely be an unforgettable experience for me.

I don't feel that I have learned a great deal from the text.

However, the reproductions in the book are truly remarkable and well worth the price.

The book is filled with an abundance of reproductions that offer a visual feast for the eyes.

These reproductions enhance the overall experience of reading the book and provide a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Although the text may not have been as educational as I had hoped, the reproductions more than make up for it.

They add value to the book and make it a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in the topic.

Overall, while I may not have gained a lot of knowledge from the text, I am still satisfied with the book because of the wonderful reproductions it contains.

MR is truly one of the most remarkable painters in my all-time top 10. His works have always had a unique charm that captivates the eye and touches the soul.

This book dedicated to him is not just a mere coffee table book. It offers a wonderful blend of his biography and a plethora of his magnificent pictures.

As you flip through the pages, you get to know the man behind the art, his journey, his inspirations, and the evolution of his style. The pictures, on the other hand, speak for themselves. They展示了 his extraordinary talent and creativity, each one a masterpiece in its own right.

Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beauty, this book is a must-have. It allows you to immerse yourself in the world of MR and experience the magic of his art.

Mark Rothko is a renowned artist, and this text provides a good, brief introduction to his life and works. It serves as an excellent first book for those new to the subject. However, for a more knowledgeable reader, it might not offer much additional information.

Personally, I found it to be a good balance between the text and reproductions of Mark Rothko's pictures. The text effectively presents the key aspects of his life and artistic journey, while the reproductions allow the reader to visually engage with his works.

By the end of reading, I came away with a greater understanding and appreciation of Mark Rothko and his art. It has whetted my appetite to explore more about his works and the artistic movement he was associated with. Overall, it is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in learning about Mark Rothko.

How could he, with such a limited number of variations, commence discussions between the picture and the viewer that are as personal, direct, and intimate as chamber music?

How could he, by using just a few combinations within a palette of hot and cold, bright and dark, shiny and matte, rapturous and melancholy colors, elicit feelings that recreate the breadth, variety, drama, depth, and panorama of the orchestral music he adored so completely?

Who can provide answers to such questions? Only the pictures themselves - and each individual observer.

"We are reaffirming man's innate desire for the exalted, for a preoccupation with our relationship to the absolute emotions. We have no need for the outdated props of an archaic and antiquated legend. We are fashioning images whose reality is self-evident and which are lacking in the props and crutches that evoke associations with outmoded images, whether sublime or beautiful.

We are liberating ourselves from the hindrances of memory, association, nostalgia, legend, myth, or whatever else, which have been the contrivances of Western European painting. Instead of constructing cathedrals out of Christ, man, or 'life', we are building it out of ourselves, out of our own emotions. The image we generate is the self-evident one of revelation, real and concrete, that can be comprehended by anyone who will gaze at it without the nostalgic spectacles of history."

- BARNETT NEWMAN, 1948

This is a truly great read about an outstanding artist.

I thoroughly enjoyed this concise summary of Rothko's life. It provides a wonderful overview of his journey and contributions.

Moreover, the illustrations included are excellent. They enhance the understanding and visualization of the artist's works and life.

Adding to the reading experience was listening to the album Rothko Chapel by Kim Kashkasian et al. This album contains Morton Feldman's musical composition that was inspired by the Rothko Chapel in Houston.

The combination of the written text and the music creates a multi-sensory experience that enriches the appreciation of Rothko's art.

It allows the reader to immerse themselves in the world of Rothko and gain a deeper understanding of his artistic vision and the emotions he sought to convey.

Overall, this is a highly recommended piece for anyone interested in art, music, or the life of a remarkable artist like Rothko.

Mark Rothko is a highly regarded and influential artist.

His work is characterized by large, flat areas of color that seem to float on the canvas.

Rothko's paintings often evoke a sense of mystery, tranquility, and emotional depth.

He was part of the Abstract Expressionist movement, which emphasized the expression of inner emotions and the unconscious through non-representational forms.

Rothko's use of color was masterful, and he carefully selected and combined hues to create specific moods and atmospheres.

His works can range from soft and muted tones to bold and vibrant colors.

Some of his most famous series include the "Multiforms" and the "Seagram Murals."

The "Multiforms" feature geometric shapes and blocks of color, while the "Seagram Murals" are large-scale works that adorn the walls of the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City.

Rothko's art has had a profound impact on the art world and continues to be studied and admired by artists and art lovers alike.

I have a deep love for his work because of its ability to transport me to another realm and make me feel a range of emotions.

Writing an essay on him will surely deepen my understanding and appreciation of his art.

I have a deep love for reading about Rothko. Without a doubt, he is my absolute favorite painter.

His unique abstract signature block style has an indescribable allure for me. It's as if his paintings possess a magical charm that can draw me in and hold my attention captive.

His works exude a profound range of emotions, and they have the power to communicate volumes without uttering a single word. They speak directly to the soul, touching on the deepest recesses of our emotions and experiences.

I thoroughly enjoyed delving into the details of his life, learning about the criticism he faced, and understanding the creative struggles he endured.

However, it is truly unfortunate to read about his untimely death. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the artistic contributions of such remarkable individuals. Rothko's legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and art lovers alike.

I truly, truly have a deep affection for Rothko. The text about him, however, is just mediocre. It appears to make rather haphazard decisions regarding what to incorporate and what to simply skim over. It is merely a very basic introduction. There is so much more to Rothko and his art that could have been explored in greater detail. His unique style, the emotions his paintings evoke, and the impact he has had on the art world are all aspects that deserve more in-depth analysis. A more comprehensive and engaging exploration of Rothko would not only provide a better understanding of his work but also give readers a greater appreciation for his artistic genius.

Wonderful paintings, but the text is rather boring.

I purchased this book mainly for the pictures of Rothko's work, and in that regard, I'm still quite pleased with it.

The paintings themselves are truly captivating, with their unique colors and compositions that seem to draw the viewer in.

However, if my intention had been to gain a more in-depth understanding of the artist and his work, I'm fairly certain that a well-written 3-page magazine article would have been a better choice.

The text in this book seems to lack the depth and detail that one might expect when delving into the life and art of such a renowned artist.

It fails to fully explore the various aspects of Rothko's creative process, his influences, and the significance of his work within the context of art history.

Nonetheless, for those who simply appreciate the beauty of Rothko's paintings, this book can still provide a certain level of enjoyment.

But for those seeking a more comprehensive and engaging exploration of the artist and his work, it may fall short.

Perhaps a future edition of the book could include more detailed and insightful text to complement the wonderful paintings.

Until then, readers will have to look elsewhere for a more in-depth understanding of Rothko and his remarkable body of work.