6.13.2014

Rothko And Basquiat Paintings

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.

Often the focal points in Rothko paintings are urban scenes and landscapes. Figurative works would also turn out to be a major output for Rothko creations. The expressive side to the art of Mark was showcased by his rough application of paint. This distinctive style would become the technique for which he would be most known for during the course of his artistic career.

It is an often intricate and complex journey through a maze of references that Basquiat paintings are known for. This journey often times made little rational sense, but nonetheless, fell appear to have a reason for existence. Basquiat paintings are mesmerizing, dense and full as their subjects range from the inner city kids' game called skellys to Sugar Ray Robinson, Miles Davis and Da Vinci.

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.

The mind of a prodigal genius with flashes of an early style is displayed in Basquiat paintings. There are standard art forms found in these works, including the ubiquitous trademark crown as well as the black background and mirrored images, boxers and skulls. The key to the complete output of Basquiat, numbering to more than 2,000 from the ages of 19 to 27, is held by the early Basquiat drawings.




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