Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Paintings Of Rothko And Basquiat

By Darren Hartley


Well known for their images featuring large and luminous color blocks, Rothko paintings are classified as abstract expressionist pieces. The forms, figures and color created by Mark Rothko are what his many paintings are well known for.

The first expressionistic Rothko paintings were oriented towards social themes with expressionist and surrealist undertones. Their subjects were reflections of the influence of Max Weber, who provided Mark with first hand knowledge and enthusiasm for European modernism. Another artist who influenced Mark's work was Marc Chagall.

The frequent focal points for Rothko paintings were urban scenes and landscapes. Other than this, Mark's creations also included figurative works. His rough application of paint showcased the expressive side to the art of Rothko. This technique would later emerge as the distinctive style for which he would become vastly popular through the whole course of his impressive career.

A patron of Basquiat paintings is sucked in and carried along an often intricate and complex journey through a maze of references. While often times the journey made little rational sense, a patron is nevertheless made to feel there is a need for him to take it. Because they cover everything from the inner city kids' game called skellys to Sugar Ray Robinson, Miles Davis and Da Vinci, Basquiat paintings prove to be mesmerizing, dense and full.

Actual words, etched in scrawl, take primacy in Basquiat paintings. They are perfectly placed streams of consciousness colliding with iconic images of crowns and skulls. Honestly a bit less dark than some of Basquiat's later works, a patron can get lost in this collision for hours on end.

Patrons are taken into the mind of a prodigal genius with flashes of an early style, just by looking at Basquiat paintings. The ubiquitous trademark crown, the black background and mirrored images, boxers and skulls are ominous in these works. The key to all of Basquiat's works, numbering to more than 2,000 from the ages of 19 to 27 are found in his early drawings.




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