On the 18th of October, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is set to dazzle art enthusiasts with an unprecedented retrospective dedicated to the artistic genius, Mark Rothko (1903-1970), marking a pivotal event in the French art scene since the celebrated exhibition at the Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris in 1999.

This monumental showcase brings together a staggering collection of approximately 115 works, carefully curated from the world’s most esteemed international institutional collections. Institutions such as the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., the Tate in London, and the Phillips Collection in Washington D.C. have graciously contributed to this exhibition. Moreover, the inclusion of pieces from esteemed international private collections, including the artist’s own family collection, adds a personal touch, enriching the narrative of Rothko’s artistic journey.

Spanning across the expansive exhibition spaces of the Fondation, this retrospective is a chronological exploration of Rothko’s illustrious career, offering an insightful glimpse into the evolution of his craft. Commencing with intimate scenes and urban landscapes reminiscent of the New York subway, prevalent in Rothko’s work during the 1930s, the exhibition showcases his transition to a repertoire inspired by ancient myths and surrealism. Through these artistic choices, Rothko masterfully conveyed the tragic dimensions of the human condition during the tumultuous period of war.

In a pivotal shift commencing in 1946, Rothko delved into abstract expressionism, marking a transformative phase in his artistic trajectory. The emergence of Multi-forms, featuring chromatic masses suspended in a delicate equilibrium on the canvas, signifies the onset of this artistic evolution. This phase soon gives way to the iconic “classic” works of the 1950s, where rectangular shapes overlap in a rhythmic dance of binary or ternary patterns. These works are characterized by a mesmerizing palette of shades, including yellow, red, ochre, orange, blue, and white, showcasing Rothko’s profound mastery of color.

Delving into Rothko’s biography, we encounter the artist’s profound journey and the circumstances that shaped his artistic expression. Born in 1903, Rothko navigated a tumultuous era, marked by wars and societal changes. His early figurative works and urban landscapes in the 1930s portrayed the pulse of New York City and set the foundation for his later abstractions. Rothko’s deep-rooted interest in ancient myths and surrealism allowed him to delve into the human psyche and communicate the profound human experience, especially during the war years.

This exhibition promises an immersive and enlightening experience for all who step into the hallowed halls of the Fondation Louis Vuitton. This retrospective not only pays homage to Rothko’s artistic genius but also offers a glimpse into the enduring legacy of an artist who transcended boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of contemporary art. Art enthusiasts are invited to embark on this mesmerizing voyage through Rothko’s vivid palette, unraveling the profound artistic progression that continues to captivate and inspire generations of art lovers across the globe.