Mark Rothko (1903-1970) was born in Dvinsk, Russia. He immigrated to the United States at 10. He attended Yale on a full scholarship, studied at the Art Students League of New York City and taught for 20 years at the Center Academy of the Brooklyn Jewish Center.

His works in Color Field/Abstract Expressionism are displayed in many museum collections and in the Rothko Chapel in Houston. Throughout his career to his ending his life in 1970, he objected to the world’s interpretation of his art and protected its display.

Here are two quotes that illustrate his perspective and stance:

“I am not interested in the relationship between form and color. The only thing I care about is the expression of basic human emotions: tragedy, ecstasy, destiny.”

“The painting lives a camaraderie, expanding and accelerating in the eyes of the sensitive observer. It dies for the same reason. So sending it out into the world is risky. How often it must be disturbed by the eyes of the insensitive and the cruelty of the powerless.”

Rothko cared that we would see unadulterated emotion in his pieces while the voices of his time saw more and different aspects. All of this can bring us to our own questions. What do we find in his creativity? What do we bring with us as we view it? Does tragedy, ecstasy or destiny find a way to us in this piece? Does it represent beauty or catharsis or something else and less?

In God’s grace may we join with Mark Rothko in an exchange of inspiration and visual language. May we bring the Holy Spirit to our consideration and conclusions and give thanks for an artist who may have sensed it also.

“Bidden or not bidden, God is present.”  Carl Jung

Thanks be to God.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church