Art historian, John Francis, our guest editor gives his weekly Top Culture Picks.

Over the past six weeks or so we have covered many a mile. It’s time now to take a quiet moment to recharge. The joy of art is that it can renew the spirit and reinvigorate our busy lives. Some artists have an ability to make us contemplate and reflect on ourselves and who we are. Mark Rothko was such an artist.

Rothko is known for his abstract expressionist work but his influences go far further into an almost religious arena. Today we have the special opportunity to visit the famous Rothko Chapel in Houston, Texas via Sothebys. They are one of the world’s leading auction houses and are key holders of the new and the old of the art world. Their website is always worth a look.

Dedicated in 1971, the Rothko Chapel serves as a global destination for all faiths, a beloved sanctuary for contemplation housing 14 site-specific paintings by the Latvian born artist. This year the Chapel reopens following a year-and-a-half-long restoration to bring the space more in line with Rothko's unique original vision.

WATCH Contemporary Conversations: The Rothko Chapel. 40 mins

https://www.sothebys.com/en/series/sothebys-talks/contemporary-conversations-the-rothko-chapel?locale=en

HEAR the story behind the ‘Temple of the Spirit’ told to us by his son, Christopher and other Rothko experts. Be surprised at the original drawing for the Chapel and understand Rothko’s vision for a unity between painting and space. 

Later in the video we see Sothebys at work. We drop in on an auction of Rothko paintings. Famously in 2007, a Rothko sold for over 72 Million Dollars. Art for some is an investment that might go up or down. It’s no surprise to know that American banks, in particular, are huge investors in the art market.

ENJOY your brief visit to one of the art world’s most revered shrines.