In 1955 Thomas B Hess said this in reference to recent work by the abstract expressionist Mark Rothko:
“Rothko approaches the classical, Renaissance problem of achieving the elemental serenity of symmetry in a way that avoids the paralysing boredom that perfect symmetry aspires to.”1
I enjoy imagining an analogy between this reference to Rothko’s art and the way I read, or understand, architecture.
There is something in the geometric and material arrangement of these paintings which becomes dynamic. The sense I had standing in the Rothko room at the Tate Modern in London was that there was an unexpected bustling vibrancy on the surface of the canvas.
The same thing happens in great buildings – where tension and drama in the relationships of geometry, form, material, light and shadow can create an incredible energy – giving architecture a sense of dynamism which undermines the notion of buildings as inert things.
I suppose a painting, just like a building, is a fundamentally static thing; in that form, shape, materiality, colour etc are all fixed. But modern (or Modernist) agendas create an opportunity to be liberated from the “perfect symmetry” of Classicism or Neo-Classicism; while creating the calm, elegant beauty which that symmetry implies.
That sense of sophisticated, but subtle drama can enrich paintings, or buildings, with a more active energy; with life.
Notes
1. Thomas B Hess, Art News, Summer 1955.
DynamicStasis 
This was a great read 🙂 And very informative as well. I do like how you’ve added references / notes at the bottom.
http://www.diyingmachine.wordpress.com
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Thanks – I’m pleased you enjoyed it!
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I do wish I had a better understanding of Art… It’s such an interesting subject. Great post.
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Thanks PM!
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Good information!
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Very informative ! 😀
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I love how you play with words. It’s attention-grabbing and makes for a wonderful read. And you’re so informative doing that and your blog is gorgeous,I’m in awe!
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Wow, thanks so much!
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❤️
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Interesting thoughts. I’ve always been intrigued by Rothko’s work–it’s so simplistic at first glance, yet there’s *something* interesting there, and perhaps it’s exactly what you’ve mentioned: geometric lines teasing the line of the dynamic, and achieving static and vibrancy all at once. Thanks for this… so much to chew on!
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts, much appreciated.
I lived in London for five years, and I really enjoyed sitting in the Rothko Room at The Tate Modern – there’s a tantalising energy in those canvases.
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Great read and well-referenced! Such a rarity! Followed you!
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Thanks very much Matthew!
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Wow! This was an awesome read and it was very informative too. Looking forward to reading more from you!!
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Excellent, thank you!
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nice micro thought expansion. thank you 🙂
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Thanks!
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