The artwork, “Canto V” by Barnett Newman, created in 1963, represents the Color Field Painting art movement within the abstract genre. It is part of Newman’s series titled “18 Cantos.”
“Canto V” exhibits the quintessential characteristics of Color Field Painting, emphasizing large, unbroken planes of color. The main body of the piece features a solid black square, subtly textured, occupying most of the canvas. On the right edge, a vertical, irregular white stripe cuts through the black field, creating a stark contrast and emphasizing the simplicity and power of the composition. The minimalistic elements invite viewers to contemplate the emotional and spiritual resonances within the geometric forms and the interplay of light and dark. The artwork exemplifies Newman’s exploration of abstraction, using simple yet profound visual language to evoke a contemplative experience.