Mark Rothko, the new exhibition of the Louis Vuitton Foundation

The new exhibition presented by the Fondation Louis Vuitton highlights the indispensable work of Mark Rothko, one of the greatest American artists of the 20th century.

Returning to France after over twenty years, this exhibition aims to pay tribute to the artist while introducing his work to new generations.

The exhibition's journey 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 decisively turned to abstraction, marking a major creative turning point in his career. His techniques evolved radically, transitioning from figurative forms to abstract compositions.

The exhibition offers you the opportunity to explore more than a hundred paintings, inviting you on a true journey through the artist's entire career, from his early figurative creations to his later abstract works. These pieces come from various collections, ranging from the National Gallery of Art in Washington to the Rothko family's private works, as well as those from the Tate Museum in London, providing a fascinating overview of the evolution of his art and creative process.

As you explore, you will discover how Rothko subtly plays with colors, masses, and geometric forms. Gradually, these forms fade to make way for the pure expression of color. In his paintings, rectangles face each other, colors engage in dialogue, complement one another, or confront each other. The artist expresses himself through a palette of hues, from red to ocher, through orange and yellow. Some compositions explore shades 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 displayed together, originally created to decorate the Four Seasons. Rothko initially accepted the commission before refusing to deliver them to the restaurant, preserving these works for this unique exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to discover the Rothko Room, an artistic space designed by the artist himself for the Phillips Collection, offering an immersive and contemplative experience.

Immerse yourself in the emotional universe of Mark Rothko and explore the evolution of his art, an artistic experience that will undoubtedly captivate you.

Until the 2nd of April 2024. Open every day from 10am to 9pm. 

Photo ©Monika - flickr