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Mark Rothko and Adolph Gottlieb on Creating Abstract Art

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When a New York Times art critic reviewed Mark Rothko and Adolph Gottlieb’s work, the artists responded with a letter that became a manifesto on abstract art. In it, they stressed being in favor of the “simple expression of the complex thought,” and for “the large shape because it has the impact of the unequivocal,” among other points.

American Masters — Rothko: Pictures Must Be Miraculous, premiering nationwide Friday, October 25 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org/americanmasters and the PBS Video app.

TRANSCRIPT

We salute this honest, we might say cordial reaction towards our And we appreciate the gracious opportunity that is being offered us to present our views.

Sincerely yours, Adolph Gottlieb and Marcus Rothko

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