The Louis Vuitton Foundation presents a must-see exhibition dedicated to the work of one of the great American artists of the 20th century, Mark Rothko. More than twenty years after his last retrospective in France, this event aims to pay tribute to the artist and also introduce him to new generations.
You will have the opportunity to admire over 115 paintings, a true journey through the artist's entire career, from his early figurative works to his later abstract creations. The exhibited pieces come from various collections, from the National Gallery of Art in Washington to the private works of the Rothko family, as well as the Tate Museum in London, providing a fascinating overview of the evolution of his art.
The exhibition's itinerary begins in the 1930s, where Rothko depicted a tragic and solitary world marked by the horrors of World War I. After World War II, the artist turned to abstraction, marking a significant creative turning point in his career. His techniques evolved radically, shifting from figurative forms to abstract compositions.
Throughout the journey, you will discover how Rothko plays with colors, masses, and geometric shapes, assembling them in a subtle balance. Gradually, these forms disappear to make way for the pure expression of color. In these paintings, rectangles oppose each other, their colors engage in dialogue, complement, or confront each other. The artist expresses himself through a palette of tones ranging from red, ocher, orange, and yellow. Some compositions explore nuances of blue, white, or black. Behind this apparent simplicity lies a secret language, a silent dialogue that Rothko seeks to establish with the viewer.
Among the treasures of this exhibition, do not miss a series of nine paintings exhibited together, created to decorate the Four Seasons. Rothko initially accepted the commission before refusing to deliver them to the restaurant, thus preserving them for this unique exhibition at the Louis Vuitton Foundation. Additionally, you will discover the Rothko Room, an artistic space designed by the painter himself for the Phillips Collection, offering an immersive and contemplative experience.
Immerse yourself in the emotional world of Mark Rothko and explore the evolution of his art, an artistic experience that will surely captivate you.
Until April 2, 2024. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Photo ©Naotake Murayama - Flickr