An exhibition in Florence is inviting viewers to reconsider the spiritual depth of Mark Rothko's abstract art, juxtaposing his monumental canvases with Renaissance religious masterpieces. The 'Rothko in Florence' exhibition, curated by the artist's son, Christopher Rothko, and independent curator Elena Geuna, aims to demonstrate the profound impact that Florentine art had on the American abstract expressionist.
The exhibition, primarily hosted at Palazzo Strozzi with satellite installations, highlights Rothko's aspiration for his colour field paintings to evoke intense, spiritual responses akin to those inspired by religious art. One notable pairing places Rothko's works alongside frescoes by Fra Angelico at the former San Marco monastery, creating a dialogue between seemingly disparate artistic traditions and underscoring their shared rationale for quiet contemplation.
Visitors to the exhibition have reported deeply emotional and even 'tearful' reactions to Rothko's large canvases. The experience is described as moving beyond mere aesthetic appreciation, fostering a sense of gratitude, awe, and a dissolution of self in the face of the art. This contemplative effect is likened to a form of secular worship or meditation, echoing the intended purpose of the religious art with which Rothko's pieces are displayed.
Rothko, who first visited Florence at the age of 47, was reportedly overwhelmed by the city's artistic heritage, particularly the frescoes designed for private contemplation. He sought to imbue his own works with a similar capacity to provoke profound inner experience, a spiritual dimension most overtly expressed in the non-denominational Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas, which houses 14 of his works.
The exhibition also observes that Rothko's art appears to resonate strongly with younger audiences. Despite the bustling environment of the Palazzo Strozzi, observations suggest that young people are engaging perceptively with the works. It has been proposed that Rothko's art offers a sanctuary from the relentless visual stimulation of modern digital life, providing a space for deeper reflection and a search for greater meaning beyond the 'infinite scroll'.