“By Twos,” created by Barnett Newman in 1949, belongs to the Color Field Painting movement and represents an abstract genre of artwork.
The artwork exhibits a minimalist aesthetic prevalent in Newman’s oeuvre. Central to the composition are two vertical blue lines that traverse the length of the canvas, set against a dark backdrop. These lines, known as “zips” in Newman’s terminology, are slightly irregular, introducing a subtle dynamism to the stark simplicity of the piece. The interplay between the blue lines and the dark background invites contemplation of spatial relationships and the emotive potential of color and form. Through its restrained yet powerful use of color and line, “By Twos” exemplifies the essence of the Color Field Painting movement.
