Painted canvas fragment  c. 20th century

Curator: This is a fragment of painted canvas by Barnett Newman. It's a small piece, only about 6 by 4 1/2 inches. Editor: My first thought is blood, bandage, skin. An intense vertical of red juxtaposed with these ragged edges of white. Curator: Newman was deeply concerned with creating a sublime experience for the viewer. Fragments like this offer insight into his process. It shows Newman's understanding of how color fields can evoke powerful feelings, something deeply rooted in the sociopolitical landscape of postwar America. Editor: The raw canvas showing through… there's a vulnerability, a sense of exposure. Color can function as a signifier for a wide array of ideas. Curator: Indeed, and Newman challenged the traditional art establishment and the institutions that supported it. Editor: This tiny fragment carries a lot of weight; it's a provocative little artifact. Curator: I find that looking at this piece helps to shed light on Newman’s larger artistic ambitions.