If Latvian Language Were a Painter it Would Be Mark Rothko
You might have come across the video Discover the Latvian Language with Online Language Support (if you haven't watched it yet, you can click here to view). In this video, you'll discover various elements that characterize the Latvian language and culture. One intriguing aspect highlighted is the pride associated with Mark Rothko, whose real name was Marcus Rothkowitz. Interestingly, not many people are aware of his Latvian origin. To be fair, he spent the majority of his life outside of Latvia. However, for Latvians, he holds a special place as he was born here, making him undeniably Latvian.Before 2013, Rothko wasn't widely recognized among Latvians. However, everything changed with the establishment of the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre in that year. This center stands as a unique tribute to the world-famous artist who hailed from Daugavpils, the second-largest city in Latvia. The Art Center is not merely a repository for Rothko's original artworks, which are valued at millions of dollars, but it also hosts a diverse array of temporary exhibitions, adding to the cultural richness of the region.
What makes the Art Center even more fascinating is its location. It is situated within the historical confines of an artillery arsenal building in the Daugavpils Fortress. Originally constructed in 1833, this building was meticulously restored a decade ago, adding to the allure of the art space. You can read more about it in the article: 5 museums worth visiting in Latvia.
Rothko was born in 1903, a time when Daugavpils bore its old name - Dvinsk. At the age of 10, he left his hometown with his family, relocating to the United States. It was in the U.S. that Rothko achieved global recognition and fame. Today, his artworks are not only valued in the millions but are also showcased in some of the world's most prestigious art galleries. The National Gallery of Art in Washington proudly houses the most extensive collection of his works.
Source: Mark Rothko, Untitled, 1969, John and Mary Pappajohn, Des Moines, Iowa
Rothko's artistic style is not just exceptional; it is a mesmerizing dance of colors and emotions that remains unparalleled in the art world. His abstract paintings, characterized by vast fields of color and subtle transitions, are more than just artworks; they are profound expressions of the human spirit. What sets Rothko apart is his ability to evoke deep, raw emotions through seemingly simple compositions, a talent that has left an indelible mark on the art scene.
Despite living modestly for much of his life, Rothko's impact on the art market cannot be understated. The resale value of his paintings experienced a meteoric rise in the decades following his tragic suicide in 1970. This ascent in value not only reflects the increasing recognition of his genius but also the profound connection viewers have with his art. In 2021, the art world bore witness to the staggering value placed on Rothko's creations when one of his works - No.7 fetched an astonishing $82.5 million at auction.
Source: Sotheby's/Instagram Mark Rothko No. 7