Rothko’s Modern Life
Puns are horrible, but I always end up thinking of these whenever it’s headline time. Why? And why does everything have to be so complicated?*
As the world went complex, Mark Rothko (1903-70) gave the complex thought simple expressions. And as his works became simpler, these expressions became larger. He said, “A large picture is an immediate transaction. It takes you into it.” Enjoy his work via YouTube and an Aphex Twin song.
Rothko did away with brush strokes and subject matter, and concentrated on color and compositions of space. They were true expressions which reflected his eventual spiral into alcoholism and depression. The hushed, calm hues gave way to darkness and melancholy. And, of course, he eventually suicided himself. Is this the end of Rothko? Maybe. Maybe not if some sort of environmental toxins reanimate corpses and send him to a shrink that can enable him to paint again. But mostly yeah, it’s the end.
*A truth discovered by Avril Lavigne when she was grounded for denting her parents’ car.
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