PHRANTONE 06-2022

27 November 2022

Dear Pham Klub,

I'm a massive fan of the color-field paintings of Mark Rothko (Markus Yakovlevich Rothkowitz). If you've ever seen one in person, you know they're huge. Like, six feet by nine feet / 2M x 3M.

Rothko wanted his paintings to be immersive. He suggested that people view them from 18" away, which is closer than arm's length. It's a reason I love Rothko so much: he saw the beauty of the world, internal and external, and he shone a spotlight on it. He demonstrated, quietly, that simple fields of color were worthy subjects of attention and consideration.

By framing the world, Rothko knew he was enabling intimate + emotional connection. "The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience I had when I painted them," he said.

The work of the artist involves drawing such frames. This summer, I was invited to give a TEDx talk on it. In the talk, I encourage viewers to recognize their own opportunities to do the work of the artist.

TEDx posts new talks on their official YouTube after a slow + methodical process. For now, you can find a secret link to a sneak preview at the QR code on the enclosed Kool-Aid packet. Check it out when you have 10 minutes. I’ll be interested to hear what you think.

Frankie