Mark Rothko, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century art, takes center stage in a landmark retrospective at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, commencing on October 18, 2023. This exhibition marks the first comprehensive showcase of Rothko’s work in France since the iconic exhibition at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris in 1999.

Featuring a staggering collection of approximately 115 pieces sourced from esteemed international institutions and private collectors, including the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., the Tate Gallery in London, and the artist’s own family, this retrospective offers a panoramic journey through Rothko’s artistic evolution.

Chronicles of Rothko’s Artistic Odyssey

The exhibition, thoughtfully arranged across all the Fondation’s galleries, unveils Rothko’s entire artistic voyage, from his earliest figurative paintings to the abstract masterpieces that have cemented his legacy. One of the focal points of the display is the extraordinary series of paintings that Rothko was commissioned to create in 1958 for the Four Seasons restaurant, a Philip Johnson-designed gem within the iconic Seagram Building in New York. Rothko ultimately decided to retain the entire series, which features deep red hues, and, in 1969, generously donated nine of these extraordinary works to the Tate Gallery. The Fondation Louis Vuitton exhibition offers an exceptional presentation of this series.

Rothko’s Colorful Complexity

While Rothko became known for his preference for darker tones and subtle contrasts in the late 1950s, his palette of bright colors remained an integral part of his artistic repertoire. This is evident in select paintings from 1967 and the final unfinished red masterpiece found in his studio. The 1969-1970 Black and Grey series, often simplistically associated with themes of depression and suicide, invites a deeper interpretation.

Practical Information

• Exhibition Dates: From October 18, 2023, to April 2, 2024
• Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., extended evening hours on Fridays until 11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Admission Prices: 22 euros
• How to Book Your Tickets: Visit the Tiqets.com website and enjoy a 5% discount on your entry tickets with our exclusive code FAMILYG5 on the Tiqets.com website.

The Mark Rothko retrospective at Fondation Louis Vuitton Paris offers a profound exploration of an artistic journey that transcends boundaries and challenges conventions. It provides an opportunity to delve into Rothko’s profound complexities and to appreciate the enduring vibrancy of his palette. This exhibition promises to be a cultural landmark, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in the world of an artist whose legacy continues to resonate deeply within the art world and beyond. Don’t miss the chance to embark on this artistic odyssey when it opens its doors on October 18, 2023, at Fondation Louis Vuitton.

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