Barnett Newman

Definition

Barnett Newman was an influential American painter, known for his role in the development of Abstract Expressionism and as a key figure in Color Field painting. His works often featured bold colors and large, open spaces, with a focus on the emotional experience of the viewer. Newman's unique use of vertical lines, referred to as 'zips', became a defining characteristic of his style and contributed to the broader movement that emphasized color as a primary medium of expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Newman was born in 1905 and became known for his philosophical approach to art, often discussing the emotional impact of his work.
2. His famous painting 'Vir Heroicus Sublimis' exemplifies his interest in large fields of color and a sense of vastness and openness.
3. Newman believed that art should evoke a spiritual experience, pushing against traditional boundaries of representation.
4. He played a crucial role in defining Color Field painting alongside contemporaries like Mark Rothko and Clyfford Still, promoting a movement focused on the interaction of color and space.
5. In addition to painting, Newman was also involved in writing about art and influencing discussions on the purpose and nature of contemporary art.

Review Questions

• How did Barnett Newman’s philosophy about art influence his painting style and technique?
  • Barnett Newman's philosophy emphasized the emotional and spiritual experience of art, which directly influenced his painting style. He believed that art should transcend mere representation and evoke deeper feelings. This led him to create large fields of color that encouraged viewers to engage with their emotions while experiencing his work. His use of 'zips' further helped define the composition, inviting viewers into a more profound interaction with color and space.
• In what ways did Barnett Newman contribute to the Color Field painting movement alongside artists like Mark Rothko?
  • Barnett Newman contributed significantly to the Color Field painting movement by championing the use of color as the primary means of expression. Like Mark Rothko, he focused on creating emotional experiences through expansive fields of color. Newman's technique involved using large canvases with simplified compositions, which contrasted with the more layered approach Rothko took. Together, they helped redefine the role of color in modern art, moving away from representational forms toward an exploration of pure visual experience.
• Evaluate how Barnett Newman's use of 'zips' transformed perceptions of space and color in contemporary art.
  • Barnett Newman's introduction of 'zips' fundamentally transformed perceptions of space and color by emphasizing verticality within large fields of color. These thin lines not only broke up the canvas but also created a dynamic interplay between different areas, inviting viewers to navigate through the composition. This technique prompted a shift in contemporary art that encouraged artists to rethink how color could function within space, moving away from traditional techniques towards an approach that valued direct emotional response over narrative or figurative representation.

Related terms

Abstract Expressionism: An art movement characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, focusing on the emotional experience and personal expression.

Color Field Painting: A style of abstract painting that emphasizes large areas of a single color or simple shapes, prioritizing color as the primary means of expression.

Zip: A term used by Newman to describe the thin vertical lines in his paintings, which served to create contrast and delineate areas of color.