The Artist's Reality: Philosophies of Art

Mark Rothko's The Artists Reality is a manuscript that was published in 2004. It contains his ideas on the modern art world, art history, myth, beauty, the challenges of being an artist in society, and the true nature of "American art." This edition includes discussion of Rothkos "Scribble Book" (1932) and his notes on teaching art to children, which provide clues to the genesis of his thinking on pedagogy. Artist and author Makoto Fujimura reflects on how Rothkos writings offer a "lifeboat" for "art world refugees" and a model for upholding artistic ideals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 12 September 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Mark Rothko's renowned masterpiece on artistic practice, ideals, and philosophy has been re-released in a new edition, featuring an expanded introduction and an insightful afterword by Makoto Fujimura. This extraordinary manuscript, which was stored in a New York City warehouse for many years after the artist's passing, was published to widespread acclaim in 2004. Written in 1940 or 1941, it encompasses Rothko's profound insights into the modern art world, art history, myth, beauty, the struggles of being an artist in society, the true essence of "American art," and much more.

In his introduction, accompanied by examples of Rothko's work and pages from the manuscript, the artist's son, Christopher Rothko, shares the captivating story of discovering the manuscript and the intricate process of its initial publication. This edition also delves into Rothko's "Scribble Book" (1932), his notes on teaching art to children, which have recently garnered renewed scholarly attention and offer valuable clues to the genesis of Rothko's pedagogical thinking.

In an afterword penned specifically for this edition, artist and author Makoto Fujimura reflects on how Rothko's writings serve as a "lifeboat" for "art world refugees" and a guiding model for upholding artistic ideals. He explores the transcendent capacity of Rothko's paintings to convey pure ideas and the significance of the decade-long gap between The Artists Reality and Rothko's mature paintings, during which the world witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust and the atomic bomb.

This revised edition of Mark Rothko's masterpiece is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. It provides a deeper understanding of Rothko's thought and artistic journey, offering a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone seeking to explore the profound depths of artistic expression.

Weight: 360g
Dimension: 177 x 228 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300269871
Edition number: 2 Revised edition