On the occasion of the 120th anniversary of Mark Rothko’s birth (25/9/1903), the group exhibition The Art of Immersion in Contemporary Painting. Learning from Mark Rothko presents to the public the expressive possibilities of contemporary abstract painting, which draws its inspiration from the international Abstract Expressionist and his ability to create a sense of immersion of the viewer in the colour field of the work.

The exhibition opens on Wednesday 25 September, the date of the great artist’s birth, and runs until 27 October 2024. It includes works by 24 contemporary Greek and foreign artists, parallel activities, and the unique book illustration that Rothko was responsible for almost a century ago.

The diversity of expression that characterizes the artistic landscape today is shaped by the multiple histories of contemporary metropolises, teeming with rapidly shifting images and fragments, where everything seems to be characterized by a sense of detachment. Taking Mark Rothko’s vision of a painting that transcends the retina and penetrates the deepest layers of the soul as a starting point, through the works of 24 contemporary Greek and foreign artists, we explore how contemporary artistic movements are expressed through the dynamics of colour either on canvas or in space, through graffiti and street art, approach the deepening of the artistic act and the enchantment of the universe that Rothko achieved in his mature period of artistic creativity. The exhibition is the starting point for new dialogues between old and new, through the connection between modernism and contemporary art, building a platform for attempts at utopias, as well as attempts at the survival of painting as an artistic medium.

The exhibition presents the rare first edition of Lewis Browne’s 250-copy The Graphic Bible (published by Macmillan, 1928), which was illustrated by the then young Markus Rothkowitz, the only book illustration undertaken by the artist.

On the opening night, the popular graffiti artist NIQUE will create live the poster of the exhibition.

Parallel Activities

The painted narratives are intertwined with works created by pupils and students in the context of educational activities, delving into the materiality and spirituality of art. At the same time, public debates will be organised by the scientific team on the work of the great artist and its importance for art today. The exhibition will include the publication of a bilingual catalogue of the works in the exhibition and the texts of the scientific committee.

The artists participating

Yannis Adamakos, Sofia Antonakaki, Dimitrios Antonitsis, Irini Vazoukou, Daniel, Murray Dessner, Thalassini Douma, Iasonas Kampanis, Leonidas Karampinis, Andreas Kontellis, Angelos Mavraeidis, Uranya Mourelatou, Cleopatra Moursella, Eva Bei,  Panagiotis Nezis, NIQUE, Nikos Samaras, Panos Sarafianos, Jonah Sachpazis,Yannis Skaltsas,Theodoros Stamos, Danae Stratou, Aimilia Tsekoura, Emmelia Filippopoulou.
Curator: Fay Tzanetoulakou, Dr. Art Historian-Exhibition Curator

Scientific Advisors: Varvara Kondyli PhDc, Dr. Kalliopi Kountouri

The exhibition will be accompanied by a bilingual catalogue

Venue: Lofos Art Project, Velvendou 39, Kypseli

Duration: 25/9/2024-27/10/2024

Opening: Wednesday 25 September 2024 at 19:30

Scientific Group

The exhibition is intended to introduce the new scientific research group on the great artist’s work and related texts related to the European South, entitled The Mediterranean Rothko: From Italy to Greece, Rothko’s Classic Route in the Mediterranean and beyond, with academic collaborators :

Varvara Kondyli

Kalliopi Kountouri

Dionysis Mourelatos

Vicky Sarakatsianou

Fay Tzanetoulakou

Marcello Barison