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.

A patron of Basquiat paintings is sucked in and carried along an often intricate and complex journey through a maze of references. While often times the journey made little rational sense, a patron is nevertheless made to feel there is a need for him to take it. Because they cover everything from the inner city kids' game called skellys to Sugar Ray Robinson, Miles Davis and Da Vinci, Basquiat paintings prove to be mesmerizing, dense and full.

Taking primacy in Basquiat paintings are actual words, etched in scrawl. Colliding with iconic images of crowns and skulls, they are considered perfectly placed streams of consciousness. A patron can get lost in this collision for hours on end. They prove to be a bit less dark than some of the later works of the artist.

Basquiat paintings take his patrons into the mind of a prodigal genius with flashes of an early style. Always present in these works is the ubiquitous trademark crown as well as the black background and mirrored images, boxers and skulls. The early Basquiat drawings hold the key to all his work, numbering to more than 2,000 from the ages of 19 to 27.




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