Rothko Chappell | BOOK | RIZZOLI ELECTA | 132pages | Hard cover | 260 ×287mm | 2021

In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the world-famous Rothko Chapel, this book introduces the newly restored building and campus through photos and academic materials.

Rothko Chapel is a sacred space in Houston that features 14 modernist paintings by Abstract Expressionist pioneer Mark Rothko, contributing to human rights, art, and spirituality around the world. Founded in 1971 by artists and philanthropists Dominique de Menil and John de Menil, the chapel has become an oasis of the intellect and spirit, with utmost faith in Rothko's vision of expressing the profound, the miraculous, and the sacredness of the human spirit.
This large-format book, with photographs and scholarly insights, introduces this ecumenical shrine, home to Rothko's iconic paintings, where visitors seek solace and inspiration. Pamela Smart talks about the spiritual aspects, and Stephen Fox places the architecture in the context of Houston.
The chapel has been rebuilt within the expanded campus, enhancing the experience for many visitors. As viewers sit quietly or move through the octagon's serene atmosphere, the reinstalled skylights better reveal the nuances of Rothko's powerful panels, allowing them to deepen their connection to the outdoors as conditions change, such as when clouds pass overhead.