In the midst of troubled times, Mark Rothko’s art emerged as a beacon of solace, his rectangular color fields providing a space for contemplation and emotional release. While best known for these large-scale canvases, a new exhibition in Oslo, Norway, sheds light on Rothko’s extensive body of works on paper, revealing a more intimate and personal side to the artist.
Curated by the National Museum of Norway in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., this exhibition spans the entirety of Rothko’s career, from his early figurative watercolors to the abstract masterpieces of his later years. These paper works, numbering nearly a thousand, offer a unique perspective on Rothko’s creative journey, tracing his evolution from a young artist searching for his voice to a master of the abstract form.
Through these works, we witness Rothko’s ability to evoke a range of emotions, from deep sorrow to ethereal serenity. His use of color, often dark and brooding, creates an atmosphere of profound intimacy, inviting viewers to engage with their own inner thoughts and feelings. Rothko believed that a painting should not merely represent an experience but should be an experience in itself, and this exhibition provides ample evidence of his success in achieving this goal.
One of the most striking aspects of Rothko’s paper works is their scale. Smaller and more intimate than his large-scale canvases, these works allow for a closer encounter with the artist’s brushstrokes and the subtle nuances of his color palette. This intimacy creates a sense of connection between viewer and artist, fostering a deeper understanding of Rothko’s creative process and emotional state.
The exhibition also sheds light on Rothko’s creative resilience. Following a near-fatal heart attack in 1968, his doctors advised him to reduce stress and avoid painting anything over forty inches in height. Undeterred, Rothko turned to paper as a means of continuing his artistic exploration, resulting in one of the most productive periods of his life.
While Rothko’s later works on paper often reflect a sense of melancholy, there are also moments of lightness and joy. His use of pastels, with their soft and ethereal hues, creates a sense of balance, reminding us that even in darkness, there is always the possibility of hope.
Through its comprehensive exploration of Mark Rothko’s works on paper, this exhibition provides a unique opportunity to connect with the artist on a personal level, gaining a deeper understanding of his creative vision and the power of his art to evoke and inspire.