The Rothko Test

I very often take my guests at Rice to the Rothko Chapel. It's only two blocks from my house.

I've observed something very interesting.

To a man and woman so far, those who are most committed to a Benjaminian view of the aesthetic (smash the aura!) are deeply disturbed and can't last more than two minutes in there. I haven't been proved wrong yet (this is year 4).

In the Chapel you encounter a primordial givenness that is way way beyond most concepts of aura. It's like aura on DMT.

Me, I find the space really warm and soothing. Intimate, friendly. Like being enveloped in flesh.

It was made by a man who soon after killed himself. Who cares??!!! It's aura on DMT.