Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a crayon drawing by Barnett Newman. It dates from 1967 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Untitled, a 1967 drawing by American artist Barnett Newman, is executed in crayon on acetate. Characterized by simplicity and bold color, it embodies Newman's abstract expressionist and color field tendencies.
Subject & Meaning
The work engages viewers through spatial and emotional interaction, achieved via minimal forms. A large, textured black rectangle, bordered by a thin white margin on a light beige background, invites contemplation of color, scale, and tactile quality.
Technique & Style
Newman's use of crayon on acetate achieves a textured, almost charcoal-like effect in the black shape, contrasting with the smooth beige and white areas, highlighting his exploration of materiality and visual contrast.
History & Provenance
Untitled is part of The Museum of Modern Art's collection, reflecting its significance within Newman's oeuvre and the broader abstract movement.
Context
Created in the late 1960s, the piece aligns with the era's abstract expressionist and color field movements, where artists emphasized the physical and emotional impact of color and form.
Artist & collection
Artist
Barnett Newman (January 29, 1905 – July 4, 1970) was an American painter. He has been critically regarded as one of the major figures of abstract expressionism, and one of the foremost color field painters. His…
