Rothko Chapel : Rothko Chapel is a one-story brick exterior with a flat roof. There is ample ambiance surrounding, such as live oak trees. Additionally, the building’s plan is irregularly octagonal, including four principal walls, four secondary walls, and three triptychs of paintings on the north, east, and west walls. There are also paintings on each diagonal wall and one on the south wall. Its designer, Rothko, wanted to capture the human experience – intense, emotional states of being – and his own struggle with depression (that which cost him his life) is reflective in artwork.
The project was inspired by spirituality, art, architecture, beauty, and the human condition – the latter especially showcased on a personal level by designer Rothko. The chapel has been compared to both the Chapel of the Rosary in Venice, Italy, as well as le Corbusier’s Chapel in Ronchamp, France. With respect to the artist’s influences, the triptych paintings were inspired by Christ’s Crucifixion, although it is important to note that the chapel is open to and encourages visitors of all faiths (as well as those unaffiliated). Because the chapel is nondenominational religious services from all faiths take place in the chapel.
The chapel was part of the (American) 20th century modernist movement. In other words, modernist architecture’s intention is to self-express without over-elaboration or ornamentality. These qualities can arouse complexities. Modern architecture focuses on originality and breaks free from more restricting conventionality. The chapel also signifies the modernist movement through its design element “spareness”; American modernism came about through the architectural desire to reject morality and social constraints in favor of a more aesthetic appearance.
The chapel remains today, a bold landmark which functions as a chapel, museum, and forum. This stunning work-of-art is for anyone who is inspired by art, beauty, meditation, and the human condition. Its displayed works are deeply representative of the originally commissioned artist/designer Mark Rothko, and both the building and the art housed within it explicitly carry on this talented artist’s legacy.
