Mark Rothko is known for his colorful abstract paintings of stacked rectangles with billowy borders and layered textures. His art has been auctioned for up to $186 million, but he once turned down a commission at a fancy restaurant because he felt his work wouldn’t be appreciated by the wealthy patrons there. He was raised in Portland and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1921. His first ever solo exhibition was at the Portland Art Museum, which is opening its Rothko Pavilion on November 20th.

OPB Oregon Art Beat producer Eric Slade made a documentary about Rothko, and he joins us to explore what makes his work so special.

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