Mark Rothko's art in the 1930s marked a period of exploration and transition, laying the groundwork for his later abstract expressionist masterpieces. During this decade, Rothko's work was heavily influenced by Surrealism, reflecting a blend of real and imaginary landscapes, and later, the integration of mythological and symbolic elements. This period is crucial for understanding the evolution of Rothko's artistic vision, as it captures the artist grappling with the themes of alienation, modern urban life, and the human condition, which would remain central to his work. In the early 1930s, Rothko's work included vibrant watercolors and landscapes, demonstrating his early interest in abstraction and the expressive potential of color and form. His paintings from this period, such as those created from scenic parkways in Portland, showcased large trees and bodies of water, often framed in a way that suggested Rothko's elation and optimism about his career as a professional artist, despite the financial struggles he faced during the Great Depression​ (Literary Hub)​. Rothko's exploration of Surrealism in the mid-1930s as evident in works like "Slow Swirl at the Edge of the Sea," which depicted whimsical, mythical landscapes and figures. This phase of his work was characterized by muted colors, strange translucent figures, and a departure from realistic representation towards more mythical and magical themes​ (The Art Story)​. Towards the end of the 1930s, Rothko's dissatisfaction with the human figure as a means to express the complexities of modern life led him to explore Greco-Roman myths, not for the stories themselves but for their spirit. This shift is reflected in his paintings from this era, which incorporated hybrid figures, calligraphic styles, and biomorphic forms influenced by natural science and Surrealism. These works served as a bridge between Rothko's early figurative paintings and his later, more abstract and color-focused canvases​ (Wallach Art Gallery)​​ (Smart Museum)​. The exhibitions "Mark Rothko: The Spirit of Myth" and "Early Paintings from the 1930s and 1940s" at various art institutions have offered rare glimpses into this formative period of Rothko's career. By showcasing these early works, the exhibitions illuminated Rothko's development from capturing the alienation of urban life to embodying the essence of myth and abstraction, marking his journey towards the signature style for which he is celebrated today​ (Wallach Art Gallery)​​ (Smart Museum)​. Rothko's art in the 1930s encapsulates a period of intense experimentation and conceptual development, highlighting his transition from figurative and surrealistic influences to the abstract expressionism that defined his mature work. This decade not only reflects Rothko's evolving artistic philosophy but also sets the stage for his subsequent achievements in the realm of abstract art.