Popular Art Historian Presents Mark Rothko Program at Indian Prairie

Perhaps you’ve looked at abstract art from renowned painters and thought, “I could’ve easily done that. Why is this painting special?”

Art historian and university professor Jeff Mishur can answer that question.

On Wednesday at 7 p.m. he will present Seeing Red: The Art and Life of Mark Rothko at the .

Mishur and wife, Michelle Paluch-Mishur, own Art Excursions, Inc., a company dedicated to enriching knowledge of art through lectures and personalized private engagements.

Cindy Kline, IPPL adult program coordinator, said Mishur has been presenting art programs at the library since 1998.

“Jeff is very knowledgeable, articulate and enthusiastic,” Kline explained. “And he can really read his audience.”

Mishur will likely share many interesting and tragic aspects about Rothko’s life that will captivate his audience.

Mark Rothko (born Marcus Rothkowitz in Russia, 1903-1970) was the youngest of four children in a middle-class but very educated Jewish family that immigrated to Portland, OR, when he was a boy.

Influenced by art at a young age, he became known among the Rockefeller, Kennedy and Guggenheim families during his rise to success.

Like many highly creative thinkers with an “artist’s temperament,” Rothko seemed plagued by inner struggles and tumultuous personal and professional relationships.

It’s serendipitous that Goodman Theater is offering a production titled Red that runs from Sept. 17 – Oct. 23. The Tony award-winning play focuses on a two year period in the 1960’s during which Rothko was commissioned to complete murals for The Four Seasons restaurant in Manhattan.

Rothko’s adversity continued even after his tragic death in 1970 with the mismanagement and distribution of his estate, which resulted in court proceedings on behalf of his children.

Kline said she always looks forward to Mishur’s programs.

“His presentations are always well-attended,” she said. "These art programs are among our most popular."

The program at Indian Prairie is free and registration can be completed online or by calling 630-887-8760 ext. 239.