Great art explained: Mark Rothko

Credit: Abstract painting by Mark Rothko

On 25 February 1970, the TATE museum in London finally receives 8 paintings by Mark Rothko resulting in what is known today as Rothko's room. Just several hours later, Rothko was found dead in his studio in New York where he had committed suicide. One of the most tragic artists of the 20th century, Rothko developed a unique style of expressing deep and basic human emotions through simple abstract shapes and intense color. He is best known for his later dark red, and maroon tones, however, his palette has evolved from brighter to darker tones and colors and the whole process is quite important for understanding and perceiving his art.

Below you can enjoy another great video made by James Payne.