Rothko Chapel: An Oasis for Reflection

This hardcover Rothko Chapel book is a work of art in itself. Published by Rizzoli and designed by Jesse Kidwell with an attention to detail reminiscent of Rothko’s obsession with the placement and lighting of the paintings in the chapel, it is a joy to hold and read. The gray cover has a textured surface and a small purple plate embedded in it, so that even before opening the book, you feel as if you are inside the chapel touching the gray plastered wall on which the paintings hang. On opening the book, you see color photographs of the sunlit Montrose neighborhood in Houston where the chapel resides, the houses in their monochromatic colors and manicured lawns suggesting order, stability, and certainty of one’s place in the world—none of which Rothko possessed. However, it is a perfect opening, for it leads you on a trajectory through the two excellent essays about the chapel printed in a small but readable font, and then to more exterior and interior photographs on pages with large areas of contemplative white space, until the last section—Act Three—the color photographs of the paintings on the walls, some filling both sides of the page. By that time we are prepared to accept the withdrawal into Rothko’s dark mysterious space where we want to remain for a long time before putting the book down. It’s a triumph of art and architecture publishing, though it’s not a book for those expecting art historical essays about the paintings. It is an indispensable book about the chapel for my Rothko collection.

This is a beautifully crafted book and will be a joy to serious admirers of Rothko. The design of the book and its contents really reflect the spirit of the Chapel itself, with a lot of space, and taste, in the layout as well as the text. I have not finished reading the text b have already learned a lot, including that the first colloquia at the chapel were on contemplation and action (in reference to Thomas Merton, whom I greatly admire) and liberation theology. There are plenty of shots of the exterior and the surroundings, and then we move in to the inside space and the paintings themselves. The paintings are reproduced with close up detail shots as well which is very important. Of course it cannot be like being there in person, but it does give a strong sense, especially to those who have experienced Rothko’s work first hand. Upon reaching the end of the book and seeing all these dark enormous panels of black and blue, I felt very struck at a deep level, a powerful emotion for which I have no words. Rothko believed his paintings could have this effect. If even a book can do this, that is impressive. Highly recommended.

Beautiful recitation of the rebirth of the Rothko Chapel.

I've been to this structure in Houston and it's just as blank as this book. Meditation? I can manage that a lot easier in my garden and not this 'chapel'.

A real treasure. Favourite example of his genius.

A beautifully produced book about a very special project incorporating the work of a truly inspirational artist.

J'avais une trop grande attente pour ce livre. La couverture est de haute qualité et rigide mais le contenu me laisse sur ma faim. Je m'attendais à une qualité de papier pour rehausser la partie de la Chapelle et l'œuvre. Toujours en réflexion si je dois ou pas garder ce livre. Il faut dire que j'ai d'autres catalogues de Rothko..