Mark Rothko

by Fondation Beyeler (Editor), Mark Rothko (Painter)

Mark Rothko is one of the towering figures of Abstract Expressionism, and of twentieth-century painting as a whole. His paintings, predominantly in a large format and featuring horizontal layers of pigment on a monochrome foundation, occupy a permanent place in our collective pictorial memory as an epitome of heroic Modernism. This beautifully produced oversize monograph presents over 100 of his works in full-color plates. By considering Rothko's central groups of works from all creative periods--among them the Rothko Room in the Phillips Collection and the Harvard Murals at Harvard University--this book documents the artist's struggle to arrive at "a consummated experience between picture and onlooker." Rothko's adamant insistence on controlling the presentation of his works set him apart from the art scene as early as the 1950s. His pictures were to be hung closely together in small rooms, in which soft lighting and imposing scale were to provide an immediate viewing experience. This book attempts to recreate that atmosphere with a large, uninterrupted plate section that brings to life the vibrancy and power of these paintings. In addition to more than 100 color works, "Mark Rothko" includes essays about specific groups of work, an extensive, year by year, descriptive chronology of his life and work, and an exhaustive bibliography of writings about him from the past five years. It is an essential addition to any collection on twentieth-century art.

Genres: Art

204 pages, Hardcover

Published June 2, 2001

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having this chronological career-spanning collection is important for how it highlights Rothko’s evolution as an artist. The early works don’t speak to me as fully as the mature color field era does, but it’s lovely to see where he began; good reminder to me that an artist is far more than just the works I most prefer. Plus, you have to begin somewhere before you get anywhere. So I’m grateful to spend a little time with oft overlooked paintings that aren’t just those of a young artist. They help pave the way. You can see him pushing toward something. And some of what would become the later masterpieces he’s best known for can be seen in those early pieces.

The essays aren’t astounding but they’re solidly competent and worth your time. The book size is decent, though I’d of course love to see one bigger so as to even better show off the importance of scale. The clarity and color is also good, but could also likely be even better done these days. These are nit picky quibbles that if I were grading the entire book on an equal scale would probably place it at four stars. But I’m not. The paintings assembled are most important, and this is a very good collection. Gave me more to think about and admire, and for that I’m grateful.

[Lulufrances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today, 50 years ago on the 25th of February 1970, Mark Rothko sadly committed suicide.
I just realized that round number as I was reading through the last chapter, a chronology of his life, in this exhibition catalogue and was somewhat struck. How weird. And sad.

This was a helpful book for my essay though, all in all, and it features heaps of paintings in beautiful print, unfortunately none of the Rothko Chapel paintings, which i really need.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably the coolest thing about this book is that it covers Rothko's work chronologically, and goes back quite early, so you see how he developed over time. The page size and print quality is decent, but I would like to find a bigger and more vibrantly printed volume of Rothko's work, even if it isn't as complete.

[Michael]

As I was watching a quasi-documentary about Rothko, I said to the documentary (because I often speak to my t.v.), "Okay, I'm not a fan of Abstract Expressionism. Show me why I should care about Rothko."

And it did.

So now I think I like Rothko.