Rothko and me
Audiovisual, Electroacoustics
Rothko & me program at Stedelijk Museum Schiedam
The American artist Mark Rothko made huge abstract paintings that touch people’s souls. Some are even moved to tears. About this the artist said: “The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience I had when I painted them”. It is kind of special that an abstract work of art can evoke that sort of emotion, even though it may come across as fairly aloof. What is the power in this work?
Usually, people show up in droves in museums to see his paintings. What would it be like to be the only one? Well, find out at the exhibition Rothko & me. You are welcome to enjoy one of his top pieces, the painting Grey, Orange on Maroon, No 8 of 1960, all on your own and without your mobile phone. Nothing will stand in the way of your intimate moment with the painting: this really is ‘Rothko and me’.
As part of Rothko & me I was invited to create music for Rothko’s painting.
The performance with Rothko’s painting had to be cancelled due to the lockdown.
However a fixed media piece was created inspired by this project.
‘Since the live performance couldn’t happen, I had to rethink the whole concept because the essential part was to perform in the same room, with Rothko’s painting. To recreate that atmosphere elsewhere is just simply impossible and I didn’t even want to attempt it. I see this piece as a reflection on acknowledging uncertainty, of being aware of delays, and isolation; but being hopeful and knowing that it’s a transformation through which we can come out stronger together.’
Interviews:
https://worm.org/2021/01/21/interview-composing-rothko-in-lockdown-mari-mako/
Rothko, flow és hangzuhany – Mákó Mári elektronikus komolyzenei darabjairól
Premiere: 2020 - Stedelijk Musuem Schiedam, NL