Barnett Newman

Definition

Barnett Newman was an influential American painter known for his contributions to the Color Field painting movement and for his development of a style characterized by large fields of color and a focus on the experience of color itself. His work often emphasized the emotional and spiritual aspects of art, seeking to create a direct and personal connection between the viewer and the canvas through the use of bold colors and minimalistic forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Newman is known for his works such as 'Vir Heroicus Sublimis,' which features vast areas of red and a single vertical 'zip' down the center, exemplifying his focus on color and space.
2. He believed that art should evoke a sense of spiritual awakening and sought to create an experience that transcended traditional representation.
3. Newman's approach to painting was deeply philosophical; he often explored themes of existence, identity, and the human condition in his work.
4. His use of color was not just aesthetic; Newman aimed to influence viewers' emotional responses, believing that color could communicate feelings that words could not.
5. In addition to painting, Newman was also involved in art criticism and writing, contributing to discussions about modern art and its role in society.

Review Questions

• How did Barnett Newman's approach to color differ from traditional methods in painting?
  • Barnett Newman's approach to color focused on creating vast fields that were devoid of traditional shapes or forms, instead emphasizing large expanses that invited emotional engagement. Unlike traditional methods that often included detailed imagery or representational elements, Newman's work aimed to evoke a direct sensory response from viewers through pure color. His technique was about stripping away complexity to highlight the essence of color itself as an experience.
• Discuss the significance of Newman's concept of the 'zip' in his paintings and its impact on Color Field Painting.
  • The 'zip' is a defining element in Newman's work, representing a vertical line that breaks up large areas of color. This concept not only serves as a visual element but also embodies Newman's philosophy about the relationship between color and space. The 'zip' creates a focal point in an otherwise expansive field, guiding viewers' eyes and encouraging them to contemplate their emotional reactions. It helped shape the direction of Color Field Painting by demonstrating how simple forms could generate complex feelings.
• Evaluate how Barnett Newman's artistic philosophy reflects broader trends in mid-20th-century art movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Color Field Painting.
  • Barnett Newman's artistic philosophy mirrors key trends in mid-20th-century art movements by prioritizing emotional expression and personal experience over representational accuracy. His commitment to exploring existential themes aligns with Abstract Expressionism's focus on subconscious creation while his emphasis on pure color resonates with Color Field Painting's objective to engage viewers directly. Newman's belief that art should provoke introspection and spiritual reflection connects with a broader cultural shift during this period, where artists sought new ways to communicate complex human experiences beyond traditional methods.

Related terms

Color Field Painting: A style of abstract painting that emerged in the 1950s, characterized by large expanses of color applied in a flat, uniform manner, often emphasizing the physical properties of paint.

Zip: A term coined by Newman to describe the vertical lines or bands of color in his paintings, which he believed could evoke deep emotional responses.

Abstract Expressionism: An art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, emphasizing spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, often associated with artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko.