Textile artist Iveta Vecenāne turns Rothko's watercolors into tapestries in Daugavpils show

The Mark Rothko Art Centre in Daugavpils is currently hosting a solo exhibition by textile artist Iveta Vecenāne titled "Transfer. Rothko Motif." In the show, the artist presents her own interpretation of painter Mark Rothko's watercolor works, translating them into the tapestry technique.

Speaking on the Latvian Radio 3 "Klasika" programme "Pa ceļam ar Klasiku," Vecenāne reflected on the challenges of her creative process. She noted that when Rothko painted his watercolors, he naturally never considered how easier or harder it might be for someone to later weave them into textile form. This posed additional difficulties, requiring her to find ways of rendering the delicate, almost intangible color transitions characteristic of Rothko's work within the texture of a tapestry.

The artist also spoke about the time woven into each tapestry — the technique is labor-intensive and demands careful, patient work, so every piece carries within it the imprint of the hours and effort invested.

During the interview, Vecenāne also touched on her own family history, drawing parallels with the story of the Rothko family. Although the two families' fates differ, they share common motifs that inspired the artist to delve more deeply into Rothko's body of work.

The exhibition brings together two art forms — painting and textile art — offering visitors a chance to experience Rothko's world of color in a new, tangible form.