Barnett Newman

Definition

Barnett Newman was an influential American artist known for his role in the development of Color Field painting and his contributions to Abstract Expressionism. He is celebrated for his use of large-scale canvases and fields of color, which often feature vertical lines he referred to as 'zips.' His work emphasizes the emotional and spiritual experience of color, aligning him closely with both Action painting and Color Field painting movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Newman’s painting 'Vir Heroicus Sublimis' is one of his most famous works, showcasing his use of vast color fields with a single contrasting zip down the center.
2. He believed that art should evoke deep emotional responses, and he aimed to create a sense of the sublime through his use of color and space.
3. Newman was also a writer and theorist, contributing essays that discussed the philosophy of art, particularly focusing on the relationship between color and human experience.
4. His work was initially met with skepticism but gained recognition over time as integral to the development of modern art in America.
5. Newman was part of a larger dialogue among artists in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s, influencing generations of painters who followed.

Review Questions

• How did Barnett Newman’s approach to color contribute to the development of Color Field painting?
  • Barnett Newman’s innovative use of expansive fields of color fundamentally shaped the Color Field painting movement. He emphasized flatness and simplicity in his compositions, focusing on how colors interact on the canvas to evoke emotional responses. His concept of 'zips,' or vertical lines that traverse the canvas, further reinforced this idea by creating a rhythmic tension within the color fields, making viewers acutely aware of their visual experience.
• Discuss the significance of Newman's written works in relation to his artistic practice and its influence on Abstract Expressionism.
  • Newman's essays offered critical insights into his artistic philosophy, where he articulated his beliefs about the nature of art as an emotional experience rather than just visual representation. His writings helped contextualize his paintings within Abstract Expressionism, arguing that art should elevate human experience and touch upon spiritual themes. This intellectual engagement not only reinforced his own work but also inspired other artists within the movement to explore deeper meanings behind their creations.
• Evaluate the impact that Barnett Newman had on subsequent generations of artists and how his legacy can be seen in contemporary art.
  • Barnett Newman’s impact on contemporary art is profound, as he paved the way for future generations to explore abstraction through color and form. His emphasis on emotional depth and viewer engagement inspired artists to rethink how they approached their work. The legacy of Newman can be observed in the continued exploration of color theory and minimalism in contemporary art practices. Artists today often reference Newman's concepts as they push boundaries in terms of scale, space, and interaction with viewers, highlighting his lasting influence.

Related terms

Color Field Painting: A style of abstract painting characterized by large areas of solid color and a focus on the flatness of the canvas, emphasizing the physicality of paint.

Abstract Expressionism: An art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century in America, characterized by spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation and a focus on expressing emotion.

Zips: The vertical lines used by Barnett Newman in his paintings, which serve as a defining element of his work, creating a sense of division and rhythm within the color fields.