The artwork, titled “Broken Obelisk,” was created by Barnett Newman between 1963 and 1967 in the United States. It is a significant piece in the Minimalism art movement and is classified in the sculpture genre. With dimensions of 749.9 x 318.8 cm, the artwork currently resides in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
“Broken Obelisk” is a striking minimalist sculpture featuring a tall, narrow obelisk set atop an inverted pyramid-like base. The obelisk appears incomplete or fractured at the top, evoking a sense of interruption or fragmentation. This juxtaposition of geometric forms creates a visual tension and a profound sense of balance, characteristic of the minimalist aesthetic. The sculptureās imposing height and streamlined form command the viewer’s attention, while its simplicity invites reflection on themes of incompletion and transformation.