Writings on Art

Rothko's multiform and abstract expressionist paintings make him one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Gathering all of the artist's writings held in public collections as well as texts in Rothko's descendants' hands, this book brings to light many of his theoretical stances, practical considerations and personal revelations. Arranged chronologically from 1934, the year after his first solo show, to 1969, the year before his suicide, the approximately 100 texts consist of letters to curators and to artists like Barnett Newman, Herbert Ferber and Robert Motherwell; notes about his approach to the teaching of art; and writings that explore art as a means of communication. Editor Lopez-Remiro's introduction contextualizes the writings and doubles as a handy chronology of Rothko's life and career. As he notes, these texts by the renowned abstract expressionist ""form a sort of intellectual and emotional self-portrait of Mark Rothko."" This book will change the way Rothko is understood and should be required reading for scholars of his era.