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Rothko

Rothko

Taschen

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$20.00
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Resisting interpretation or classification, Mark Rothko (1903–1970) was a prominent advocate for the artist’s consummate freedom of expression. Although identified as a key protagonist of the Abstract Expressionist movement, first formed in New York City, Rothko rejected the label and insisted instead on “a consummated experience between picture and onlooker.”

Following a repertoire of figurative works, Rothko developed his now iconic canvases of bold color blocks in red, yellow, ochre, maroon, black, or green. With these shimmering, pulsating color masses, Rothko stressed that he had not removed the human figure but rather put symbols or shapes in its place. These intense color forms contained all the tragedy of the human condition. At the same time, Rothko explicitly empowered the viewer in the expressive potential of his work. He believed “A picture lives by companionship, expanding and quickening in the eyes of the sensitive observer.”

From his early development through to his most famous color fields, this book introduces the intellect and influence of Rothko’s dramatic, intimate, and revolutionary work.

Explore related artwork by Mark Rothko at the Chrysler Museum

Product Details

  • English edition
  • Product Type: Monograph, Hardcover
  • 96 pages, with 100 illustrations
  • Publication Date:
  • Shipping Dimensions: 10.2 × 8.3 × 0.6 inches
    (25.9 × 21.1 × 1.5 cm)
  • Shipping Weight: 1.24 lb (19.8 oz; 562 g)
  • SKU010002453 | ISBN: 9783836504263

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About Jacob Baal-Teshuva

Jacob Baal-Teshuva, born 1929, is author, critic and independent curator of museum shows. He studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and New York University. His numerous publications include works on Marc Chagall, Alexander Calder, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Jacob Baal-Teshuva lives and works in New York and Paris.

About the Artist, Mark Rothko

Mark Rothko (1903-1970) was an influential American painter known for his iconic abstract expressionist works. Born as Markus Yakovlevich Rothkowitz on September 25, 1903, in Dvinsk, Russia (now Daugavpils, Latvia), Rothko immigrated to the United States with his family at the age of ten, settling in Portland, Oregon. His early exposure to the vibrant colors and landscapes of the Pacific Northwest greatly influenced his artistic sensibilities.

Rothko's artistic journey was marked by a gradual shift towards abstraction. He initially experimented with various styles, including figurative and surrealist elements. However, it was during the 1940s that he began developing his signature style characterized by large, rectangular color fields. These paintings, often consisting of softly blurred blocks of intense hues, were intended to evoke emotional responses and create a profound sense of spirituality and transcendence.

Rothko's work gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim, and he became one of the leading figures of the abstract expressionist movement. His compositions, devoid of recognizable imagery, aimed to evoke emotional depth and contemplation. Rothko believed that his paintings were more than mere objects; they were immersive experiences that could engage viewers on a spiritual level.

Tragically, Rothko battled with depression and struggled with the commercialization of his art. Despite his success, he felt increasingly disillusioned with the art world and its commodification. On February 25, 1970, Rothko took his own life at the age of 66. Today, his profound contributions to abstract art continue to captivate audiences, with his large-scale paintings displayed in major museums and galleries around the world. Rothko's work remains an enduring testament to the power of color, form, and emotion in the realm of abstract expressionism.

About Taschen

Since its inception in 1985, the Taschen's Basic Art Series has evolved into the most successful collection of art books ever published. Each book in TASCHEN's Basic Art History series boasts around 100 color illustrations accompanied by explanatory captions, a detailed and illustrated introduction, and a carefully curated selection of the epoch's most significant works. These works are presented on a two-page spread, featuring a full-page image alongside an interpretation, as well as a portrait and a concise biography of the artist.

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