Situated just on the outskirts of central Paris, the awe-invoking exteriors of Foundation Louis Vuitton, designed as if to mimic the sails of a boat, impress ahead of entry, only alluding to the wonders that lie inside. To kick off the exhibition, which stands as a chronologically displayed walk through the artists’ work, an intimate display of urban landscapes is offered, common of his early works from the 1930s’, alongside a self-portrait of a sunglasses-clad Rothko. A quick stroll into the neighbouring room offers a shift in aesthetic for Rothko that occurred in the early 40s’, as his interpretation of the tragic state of the human condition during the War plays out, inspired by ancient myths and surrealism, are showcased.
Left: Untitled (The Subway) (Subway Station)
Right: Slow Swirl at the Edge of the Sea
Left: Untitled (The Subway) (Subway Station)
Right: Slow Swirl at the Edge of the Sea
While his earlier works see the artist experiment with themes, inspirations and art movements, it was the 50s that saw Rothko fall into the style of work that propelled him to the legend status: abstract impressionism. The remainder of the exhibition is a celebration of this ‘classic’ style of Rothko’s, in which vibrant reds, yellows and oranges sit alongside deep blues, greys and purples in the form of colour field paintings, filled with irregularly shaped rectangles. From the Tate’s personal collection of Rothko’s to his Black and Grey series, inspired by thoughts of depression and suicide, Foundation Louis Vuitton offers space to celebrate the beauty and depth in his extensive collection of offent unnamed abstract work.
Available to tour from the 18th of October 2023 to the 2nd of April 2024, should you find yourself in Paris, head down to Foundation Louis Vuitton to enjoy the impressive life’s work of Mark Rothko, sure to captivate you at first glance.
