Unknown Facts about Mark Rothko
Mark Rothko is a renowned artist who is best known for his work in the Color Field painting movement of the 20th century. A Latvian-American, Rothko is remembered for his vibrant use of colors to express emotions and abstract expressionism. He left behind a legacy of artwork that is still adored today. However, there are some lesser-known facts about Mark Rothko that may intrigue readers.
Early Life
Mark Rothko was born Marcus Rothkowitz in 1903 in the Russian Empire, which is now in Latvia. He was born into a Jewish family who lived in the city of Dvinsk (now Daugavpils) before emigrating to the U.S. in 1913.
Rothko initially studied at Yale Art School and even formed a short-lived art movement called The Ten, but he eventually left after finding he did not fit in with the other students. He was an artist who wanted to explore more radical techniques and art forms.
In the 1940s he eventually developed an interest in Abstract Expressionism and began his Color Field painting movement. In this movement, he used overlapping blocks of vibrant colors to conjure up emotions and feelings.
Contribution To Art
Mark Rothko’s contribution to art is undeniable. He is considered to be one of the pioneers of Color Field painting and is still admired by many. His use of bright, overlapping colors created an incredibly powerful atmosphere. He often said he wanted viewers to have an emotional reaction to his artwork.
Rothko’s artwork can be found in over 500 museums around the world. Most notably, the Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas which was designed in 1971. The chapel is home to 14 of his paintings and is seen as a spiritual refuge to many people.
Interesting Facts
Though Mark Rothko is remembered for his art, there are some lesser known facts that may surprise readers. Here are a few of them:
• Rothko was an avid reader and was quoted as saying that everyone should read “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri.
• He took classes at the Art Students League of New York in the late 1920s and he is said to have enjoyed them immensely.
• Rothko was a great admirer of Vincent van Gogh and was fond of his works.
• He was a talented piano player and used to practice in his free time during his early years.
• He often said, “A painting is not a picture of an experience, it is an experience.”
• He encountered a great deal of rejection from art galleries and his breakthrough did not come until 1943 when he had his first solo exhibition in New York.
• He was intensely private and had a mysterious atmosphere about him.
Philanthropy
Mark Rothko was also a philanthropist. He was a founder of the Artists’ Freedom League which was an organization created to protect artists’ rights and freedom of expression.
In addition to this, he was a passionate supporter of the civil rights movement and was known to take part in many protests.
Rothko was also a major contributor to U.S. schools and education. He donated part of his income to educational institutions. His main focus was on making the fine arts more accessible to everyone. He believed in the power of the fine arts to “broaden the density of perception”.
Death
Mark Rothko’s life and work came to an end when he tragically committed suicide in 1970. His body was found in his New York apartment. His death was attributed to a long battle with depression.
It is said that in his last days, he was deeply troubled. He was also frustrated that his art was not as well received as it had been in his younger years.
Legacy
Though Mark Rothko is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through his remarkable artwork. He was an artist who represented the highest level of artistic integrity. Those who were close to him often regarded his art as a perfect example of abstract expressionism.
His use of bright, vivid colors continues to inspire many people. His legacy also includes his commitment to the civil rights movement and his dedication to making the fine arts more accessible.
Mark Rothko was an incredible artist and philanthropist. He revolutionized the Color Field painting movement with his vibrant use of colors and his use of vibrant colors to express emotion. His commitment to the civil rights movement and his contributions to the fine arts are also worth noting. Despite his untimely death, his legacy and influence continue to inspire many.
