Importance of Space
Our discussions of space reminded me of my experiences visiting the “Rothko Chapel: outside of Houston. The interior space pictured below is in a building specifically designed to view some of Mark Rothko’s later works (following the artists wishes). Note the contrast to the typical Museum/Gallery experience. The building is referred to as a chapel but it is not affiliated with any religion.
I remember being impressed with the effect of the space more than the architecture that created the space, The scale and shape of the interior combined with Rothko’s rather dark horizontal compositions seemed to promote reflection and introspection, decreasing kinetic physical energy while increasing potential spiritual energy, which contrasts strongly with the typical environment of awe and spectacle one might encounter at a museum gallery exhibit. See comments related to the Rothko Chapel posted on a blog sight.
“Silence is so accurate.”
-Mark Rothko
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I recently came across my journal response to the Rothko Chapel in Houston, TX. The words and image don’t do the in-person experience justice to any degree, but I thought I’d post it here. Rothko is the man. :O)
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May 9, 2008
Absolute and utter silence.
I can hear every knee crack, every crinkling of paper and every breath.
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After awhile, everything blends. Breath, steps, movement- all flowing together into this
slow,
tragic,
fluid movement.
The room itself is breathing quietly. The paintings that at first were flat and motionless have started breathing- almost painfully. A very shallow breath and a very deep, ragged breath at the same time.
Looking closely, you see the hand of the artist. You see “wounds” on the canvas. Areas of imperfection. Areas that make the surface very real.
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Watching people interact with the room is such a beautiful thing too. People are open and free and willing to express themselves in an environment that is comfortable, soulful, deep, and meaningful.
What an amazing place for contemplation or prayer or emotion…
Rothko’s statement “I paint big to be intimate.” really comes to life here.
You can’t help but slow down.
Breathe.
Stop.
The design of the building is so obviously perfect for these paintings.
Even the doorways, and the shadows and the light that they present, add to the space.
The space is both organic and rigid.
The lighting from the ceiling is almost other-worldly. Dramatic. Soaking the top of the room and barely touching the floor.
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The room is very much about
Light/dark contrast
Breathing easy and a sense of struggle at the same time.
I think it’s about that place that is so dark and so real.
A place we don’t often let ourselves go.