Barnett Newman

Definition

Barnett Newman was an influential American artist known for his role in the Abstract Expressionism movement, particularly recognized for his large-scale color field paintings. His work emphasized the emotional experience of color and space, using bold, flat colors and vertical lines, which he referred to as 'zips,' to create a sense of depth and transcendence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Barnett Newman was born in 1905 in New York City and became a pivotal figure in the development of post-war American art.
2. His most famous work, 'Who’s Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue,' is notable for its large scale and striking color palette, provoking intense reactions from viewers and critics alike.
3. Newman sought to convey existential themes through his art, believing that color could evoke profound emotional responses and a sense of spirituality.
4. He was also a key theorist about art, writing extensively on the philosophy behind abstraction and how it relates to the human experience.
5. Newman's influence extended beyond painting; he inspired many artists who followed him, contributing significantly to the evolution of modern art movements in the late 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did Barnett Newman’s approach to color and space reflect the core principles of Abstract Expressionism?
  • Barnett Newman's approach to color and space exemplified Abstract Expressionism through his focus on emotional expression over representational accuracy. He used bold colors applied in flat fields to create immersive experiences, drawing viewers into a dialogue with his work. The 'zips' in his paintings added a sense of movement and depth, aligning with the movement's emphasis on spontaneity and individual expression.
• Discuss the significance of Newman's 'zip' concept within his works and how it affects the viewer's perception.
  • The 'zip' concept in Barnett Newman's works serves as a crucial compositional element that creates tension and guides the viewer's eye across the canvas. By incorporating these vertical lines, Newman not only disrupted the flatness of color fields but also introduced a rhythm that engages viewers more actively. This interaction enhances the emotional impact of his pieces, inviting deeper contemplation about the relationship between color, form, and viewer experience.
• Evaluate Barnett Newman's contribution to modern art movements, focusing on how his work paved the way for future artists.
  • Barnett Newman's contribution to modern art movements is significant as he challenged traditional notions of painting through his exploration of color and spatial relationships. His emphasis on abstraction and emotional resonance influenced a generation of artists seeking to express their inner experiences through visual means. Newman's ideas about color as a vehicle for profound emotional and spiritual expression have continued to resonate in contemporary art practices, making him a vital figure in understanding the evolution of modern artistic expression.

Related terms

Abstract Expressionism: A post-World War II art movement that focused on spontaneous, automatic, or subconscious creation, emphasizing emotional intensity over representational accuracy.

Color Field Painting: A style of abstract painting that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, characterized by large expanses of color applied in a flat manner, aimed at evoking an emotional response from the viewer.

The Zip: A term coined by Newman to describe the vertical lines he often included in his paintings, which served as a dividing element that created tension and movement within the composition.