Barnett Newman: The Art of Infinite Possibilities
The Life of Barnett Newman
Barnett Newman was a renowned American painter born on January 29th, 1905, in New York City. Newman grew up in a Jewish family, and his father was an immigrant from Poland who ran a successful manufacturing business. From a very young age, he showed an aptitude for art and was encouraged by his mother to read widely in philosophy and literature. In 1922, Newman enrolled in the art program at the City College of New York but dropped out in his junior year. In 1926, he began attending the Art Students League of New York, where he studied under the painter and teacher Ashcan School artist John Sloan.
Newman's Style: The Zip Paintings
Newman was a pioneer of what is known as Color Field painting, in which large areas of flat color are used as the dominant feature of a painting. He is more specifically recognized for his monumental works that feature vertical lines, which he called \"zips.\" Newman's works aimed to elicit an emotional response from the viewer; he sought to create a sense of awe and transcendence. The zips, according to Newman, represented a meditative portal through which the viewer could pass and enter a different realm of experience. One of his most notable works in this vein is \"Vir Heroicus Sublimis\" (1950-1951), a massive canvas that measures 7' 11\" x 17' 9\", features a single zip in bright red surrounded by fields of blue.
Newman's Legacy
Barnett Newman's work had a profound impact on the post-World War II art world. He represented a shift away from representational art and the traditional notion of beauty in painting. His work challenged art critics and viewers alike to question the purpose and meaning of art. Newman's influence extended beyond the art world, and his work became a symbol of American identity during the Cold War. He was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1958, a testament to the impact his work had on the art world during his lifetime. Newman passed away in 1970, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and challenge artists and art enthusiasts alike.
