“Black Fire I,” created by the artist Barnett Newman in 1963 in the United States, is an abstract artwork executed in oil on canvas. This formidable piece, a prominent example of the Color Field Painting movement, measures 289.5 by 213.4 centimeters.
The artwork is characterized by its stark and minimalist composition, featuring a broad, deep black field dominating the left side, while a contrasting pale section occupies the right. A thin, wavering vertical line in black runs parallel towards the right, providing a subtle yet impactful division between the two large color fields. The interaction of these elements invokes a sense of profound simplicity and contemplation, emblematic of Newman’s exploration of space and form.