Resisting interpretation or categorization, Mark Rothko (1903–1970) was a prominent advocate of the artist's absolute freedom of expression. Although recognized as a central figure of the Abstract Expressionism movement, which was formed in New York, Rothko rejected the label and instead advocated “a consummated experience between picture and onlooker.” Following a repertoire of figures, Rothko developed his iconic canvases filled with recognizable colors such as red, yellow, ocher, burgundy, black, or green. With these luminous, pulsing masses of color, Rothko emphasized that he had not removed the human figure but placed 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 that “A picture lives by companionship, expanding and exciting in the eyes of the sensitive observer.” From his early development to his most famous color fields, this book introduces the intelligence and impact of Rothko's dramatic, intimate, and revolutionary work.

Pages: 96, Year of Publication: 0903, Dimensions: 21x21cm