
Mark Rothko: A Cross-Modal Approach
Author(s) -
Ann Sarno
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
elements
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2380-6087
pISSN - 2378-0185
DOI - 10.6017/eurj.v2i1.8944
Subject(s) - synesthesia , metaphor , criticism , painting , perception , modal , art , aesthetics , cognitive science , psychology , epistemology , philosophy , art history , literature , linguistics , chemistry , polymer chemistry
Synesthesia is not only highly instrumental but primary in our figurative thought and expression. The overlapping of sensory modalities can be used to elucidate complex layers of perception through a universal type of metaphor. In regards to abstract expressionism, a visual strategy that is vague and vat, referring to alternative modes of perception to comprehend painting proves extremely useful when exercised with discretion. The research I have conducted includes psychological experiments, studies on color, gravity, physics, acoustics, architecture and art criticism. By analyzing gravity, volume, pitch weight and saturation in music, I have identified them in abstract expressionist Mark Rothko's art. Although these components are mutable in Rothko's career, they are consistently present.