The Artist's Reality

A recently discovered book manuscript by the celebrated artist Mark Rothko offering a landmark discussion of his views on topics ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary art, criticism, and the role of art and artists in society One of the most important artists of the twentieth century, Mark Rothko (19031970) created a new and impassioned form of abstract painting over the course of his career. Rothko also wrote a number of essays and critical reviews during his lifetime, adding his thoughtful, intelligent, and opinionated voice to the debates of the contemporary art world. Although the artist never published a book of his varied and complex views, his heirs indicate that he occasionally spoke of the existence of such a manuscript to friends and colleagues. Stored in a New York City warehouse since the artists death more than thirty years ago, this extraordinary manuscript, titled The Artists Reality, is now being published for the first time. Probably written around 194041, this revelatory book discusses Rothkos ideas on the modern art world, art history, myth, beauty, the challenges of being an artist in society, the true nature of American art, and much more. The Artists Reality alsoincludes an introduction by Christopher Rothko, the artists son, who describes the discovery of the manuscript and the complicated and fascinating process of bringing the manuscript to publication. The introduction is illustrated with a small selection of relevant examples of the artists own work as well as with reproductions of pages from the actual manuscript. The Artists Reality willbe a classic text for years to come, offering insight into both the work and the artistic philosophies of this great painter.