General Description
The Rothko Chapel is located in Houston, Texas. John and Dominique de Menil both founded the Rothko Chapel in 1971. The Rothko Chapel was built in order to advance human rights and interfaith understanding across the world. The Rothko Chapel serves as a chapel and as a museum. It is non denominational sanctuary where all religions are welcome to visit from all over the world. The museum features art work done by Mark Rothko. The Rothko Chapel is visited by thousands of people each year for research purposes, spiritual worshiping, as well as personal enjoyment.
Architectural Design
The design of the Rothko Chapel was done by Mark Rothko which began in 1964. Mark Rothko is one of the most influential artists of the mid century. The Rothko Chapel is a product of six years of ideas and dedication of Mark Rothko, Phillip Johnson, Eugene Aubry and Howard Barnstone. Mark Rothko’s inspiration for the architectural design of the building and the art work came from Roman Catholicism. The Byzantine church of St. Maria Assunta was the inspiration for the Rothko Chapel to be shaped like an octagon. The amount of strength and work needed to be done in order to complete the art work could not all be done by Mark Rothko himself which is why he hired the help of two assistants for painting.
Harmony with Nature
Over the years The Rothko Chapel has become a spiritual landmark in Texas. The Rothko Chapel is surrounded by trees and is the ideal place for one to seek peace and solitude for meditation. There are groups and communities that do not yet have their own worshiping grounds who use the Rothko Chapel as a space to hold celebrations, and religious events throughout the year. Not only are religious holidays held here at the Rothko Chapel, there are also weddings, memorial services, and vigils held there as well.
Symbolism and Sacred Objects
The religious art work done at the Rothko Chapel has been comparable in thoughts of importance to the Chapel of the Rosary in Vence. The chapel of the Rosary in Vence was done by Henri Matisse. The most significant information about the Rothko Chapel is that it was the last major project that John and Dominique de Menil worked on together. Sacred objects featured at the Rothko Chapel are fourteen paintings specially made for this spiritual place.
How it is used by worshippers
Some of the different ways that the Rothko Chapel is used by worshippers today include religious holy days, celebrations for those who do not have a worshiping space of their own, memorial services, wedding ceremonies, and interfaith vigils. The Rothko Chapel is also a great place to visit for those who are interested in contemporary art. There are speakers that come from all over the world for meditation and concerts that are enjoyed occasionally for free by the public. Some of the events include Lunar New Year Celebration, Chanting in the Chapel, Mural in Concert, Gaza on the Ground, Encountering the Jewish Future, and the Martin Luther King Jr Birthday Celebration.
Sources
www.rothkochapel.org
http://www.houstonmuseumdistrict.org/default/museumpages/museumpage.asp?MID=14
No comments:
Post a Comment