Onement VI 1953

Barnett Newman's 1953 painting "Onement VI" is a prime example of Color Field painting, characterized by its emphasis on the flatness of the canvas and the emotional impact of color. This minimalist composition, with its bold, single vertical white line dividing two fields of deep blue, invites contemplation of the viewer's own experience. The artist intended for the viewer to be confronted by the canvas as a whole, eliminating any distractions and focusing attention on the pure experience of color. This piece showcases Newman's mastery of color and his exploration of abstract expressionism, pushing the boundaries of traditional painting and establishing him as a key figure in the minimalist movement.