“Be I,” created by American artist Barnett Newman in 1970, is an acrylic painting on canvas that is a notable example of the Color Field Painting movement. The abstract artwork measures 213.4 by 283.2 centimeters and is housed at the Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit, Michigan, United States.
The artwork features a primarily monochromatic red field, which is bisected vertically by a slender line. This line, often referred to as a “zip” in Newman’s work, creates a striking contrast against the expansive red background. The composition is both simple and profound, inviting contemplation on the interplay of color and space. The use of bold, uniform color and geometric simplicity embodies the essence of the Color Field Painting movement, emphasizing an emotional response through minimalistic design.