Mark Rothko
1903-1970 · Russian-American (Dvinsk/New York) · Abstract Expressionism
Known for: Master of luminous color-field paintings - hovering rectangles of color designed to evoke spiritual and emotional transcendence
Rothko created large canvases of stacked, hovering rectangles of color designed to envelop viewers in profound emotional experience. He rejected the label 'Abstract Expressionist' and was furious when his work was treated as decoration.
He accepted then withdrew from a commission for the Four Seasons restaurant, appalled that his paintings would backdrop power lunches. Depression and alcoholism worsened; he took his own life at 66.
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