On 17 September, the Rothko Museum in Daugavpils will celebrate the 122nd birthday of the Latvian-born artist Mark Rothko with a special visit from his daughter, Kate Rothko Prizel, who will deliver a public lecture on his legacy and donate two original Rothko drawings to the museum’s collection.
The birthday celebrations will begin at 4 p.m., with the unveiling of a sculpted portrait of Rothko by artist Ivo Folkmanis in the museum’s foyer. Cast in bronze, the bust is a gift from the Jewish Community of Rīga to the Rothko Museum, made possible with support of the Latvian Jewish Community Restitution Fund.
The highlight of the day will be the formal donation of two Rothko drawings from the family’s private collection. Both are compelling examples of Rothko’s early figurative work on paper, showing his expressive linework, keen eye for detail, and deliberate distortions of form that would eventually evolve into his iconic abstractions. The generous gift doubles the number of original Rothko works held by the museum and reflects the family’s continued support to its mission and strategic vision.
At 5 p.m., the celebrations will conclude with an open lecture by Kate Rothko Prizel on preserving her father’s legacy and the long legal battle to bring back his paintings. The talk will be held in English in the museum’s conference hall and streamed live on the institution’s official Facebook page. Admission is free, but advance registration through the museum’s website is required for in-person attendance.
The Rothko Museum in Daugavpils, Latvia, is the only public institution in Eastern Europe to house original works by Mark Rothko. Now a state-accredited museum, it continues to develop as a dynamic hub for contemporary art, culture, and education.