Mark Rothko's journey through the realms of Realism and Surrealism before arriving at his hallmark Abstract Expressionist style was both profound and transformative. His early artistic career, spanning from 1924 to 1938, laid the foundational elements for his later groundbreaking works.
Realist Phase
Rothko's initial foray into the art world was marked by a realistic approach to painting. During the early years, Rothko immersed himself in creating portraits, nudes, urban scenes, and landscapes, showcasing his adeptness with color and light, and an uncanny ability to capture the essence of his subjects. These works, characterized by their attention to detail and a somewhat dreamlike quality, hinted at the emotional depth Rothko would explore more fully in his later work. This phase was crucial in developing Rothko's early understanding of form and space, elements that would become central to his mature style (Artest).
Surrealism and Symbolism
By the late 1930s, Rothko's art underwent a significant transformation, increasingly infused with elements of Surrealism and symbolism. This period saw Rothko moving away from the literal representation of physical reality towards a more abstracted expression of dreams, myths, and emotional states. Rothko's works from this era began to incorporate mythological motifs and abstract forms, reflecting his growing interest in expressing universal human experiences beyond the confines of observable reality. Greek mythology, with its rich tapestry of gods, heroes, and tragic tales, became a particular source of inspiration, as Rothko sought to capture the essence of these ancient stories in a way that resonated with contemporary existential themes (The Art Story).
Rothko's works during this transitional phase, like "The Omen of the Eagle" and "Sacrifice of Iphigenia," were marked by a move towards symbolic representation, using figures and narratives from classical literature and mythology to explore deeper psychological and existential questions. This exploration of the "Spirit of Myth" and the "primeval and atavistic roots of ideas" set the stage for Rothko's eventual embrace of abstraction, aiming to evoke a direct emotional response from the viewer through color and form rather than figurative imagery (National Gallery of Art).
Influence of Surrealist Techniques
Rothko's Surrealist phase also saw him experimenting with automatic writing and biomorphic forms, techniques inspired by Surrealists like Joan Miró, André Masson, and Arshile Gorky. These experiments allowed Rothko to loosen up his technique, paving the way for the fluid, abstract imagery that would characterize his later works. The use of horizontal bands and luminous, transparent watercolors during this period marked a significant turning point in Rothko's career, foreshadowing the layered, atmospheric effects of his mature abstract works (National Gallery of Art).
Throughout this formative period, Rothko's evolving style reflected a profound shift in his artistic vision, from depicting the external world to exploring the inner realms of emotion and human consciousness. This transition from Realism to Surrealism, and ultimately to Abstract Expressionism, underscores Rothko's journey towards finding a universal language of art capable of conveying the depth of the human experience.