Christopher Rothko

I don't think much of Christopher Rothko's comments / writing in the Foreward; there are only a few tidbits of useful considerations in the second half of it. Too much adoration... and focus on the piece in the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). The paintings are presented in date order from 1949 to the 1970 (the year he died), showing the progression of his work. Reading the Kindle version on my laptop, I wonder about the image reproductions. When I am in a museum and take a photo show more of a Rothko painting with my iPhone, the color correction pulls detail of the brushwork that is not visible with the naked eye, or the in-person experience. I wonder how these images compare to the originals or the print version of the book. That said, this is a wonderful experiential collection of his works to experience.
— Rebecca show less

This book is a wonderful way to learn about the theories related to the artist Mark Rothko. No one is probably more qualified to write this than his son Christopher Rothko. It is just the right amount of personal experiences from Christopher Rothko and the art analysis of the paintings. It covers the large commissions throughout Mark Rothko's career and it promotes some lost ideals on how to experience a Rothko painting. Most importantly it clears up some myths associated with the show more painter.

This is a very loose biography of the artist. I'm also assuming that the reader has a connection with a Rothko painting. Some of the topics are pretty big and it would help if the reader had prior knowledge of Rothko. Christopher Rothko doesn't take the time to translate the meanings of the paintings, as he should because it is a personal experience. Readers going into this book looking for answers will probably be disappointed. Christopher Rothko mostly writes about the paintings significance to Mark Rothko and the viewer of his paintings. The author keeps it light in the heavier parts of Rothko's work.

The book is perfect for those curious to learn more about Mark Rothko. Because it is not strictly a biography, it can bring interesting theories about the artist and the paintings to light. For those who haven't "experienced" a Rothko but want to, this book can help point you to the right path. For those who have, this book somewhat explains why you might have this experience. Christopher Rothko makes sure it all stays within the wishes of his father to make sure the experience is authentic. show less