Found in the collection

In 2005, Daugavpils hosted the first international painting symposium “Mark Rothko”, which became a tradition and a solid foundation for continued growth of the collection. The symposium was conceived with the idea of its participants donating at least two of their new paintings to the future art space, which back then was still in the making. In 2013, when Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre was finally opened to the public, its collection already held over two hundred paintings from the symposium.

Today, the Rothko Centre celebrates its eighths birthday – eight years in art and exhibition work, in the organisation of symposia, plein airs, festivals and scores of other events; also – eight years of methodical assembly work with the collection – a material embodiment of the centre’s story as it evolved through time.

“Found in the Collection” is the latest epitome of this representative function. This visual journal is rich in stories about a dynamic symposium programme and scores of successful cooperation instances with art experts, gallerists, and exhibition makers to plan impressive exhibition projects and bring these plans to fruition. It echoes rewarding dialogues with renowned artists about their solo shows at the Rothko Centre. And it stands a testament to the highest form of appreciation an artist can give – the act of donating their art. With that, the exhibition also affirms our own appreciation of artmakers and their excellence, which we show by purchasing exceptional artworks. No piece is here by accident.

Mark Rothko Art Centre continues to develop its collection, working towards a premium selection of fine art with a steadfast commitment to balancing innovative creative drive and lasting artistic values, making first-rate specimens of professional art available to the public and becoming a visible presence on domestic and international grounds.