Canvas fragment c. 20th century

Curator: Here we have Barnett Newman’s "Canvas fragment," an irregularly shaped piece of canvas held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's surprisingly captivating. There's a stark simplicity to it, almost monumental despite its modest size. The off-white hue and ragged edges offer a subdued visual experience. Curator: Indeed. Considering Newman's engagement with abstract expressionism, this fragment speaks volumes about the making process, a trace of labor. What role did the canvas play, and why was it discarded? Editor: I read the slight staining as evidence of a larger artistic struggle. The way light plays across its surface invites contemplation on form and the very essence of painting. Curator: Perhaps a study of materiality. Even this 'waste' prompts questions of value and the artist’s hand. Editor: In a way, it is complete in its incompleteness, isn't it? Curator: Absolutely, it really lets you think about Newman's broader practice. Editor: A compelling glimpse into the artist's process; I like it.