Canto X (1964) by Barnett Newman

Canto X - Barnett Newman - 1964

Artwork Information

TitleCanto X
ArtistBarnett Newman
Date1964
Art MovementColor Field Painting

About Canto X

“Canto X” is an abstract artwork by Barnett Newman, created in 1964 as part of his “18 Cantos” series. This piece is an example of Color Field Painting, a movement that emerged during the mid-20th century, which focuses on large areas of color and the emotional resonance of those colors.

The artwork depicts two solid vertical fields of color placed adjacently on a white background. On the left, there is a vibrant, mustard-yellow block, commanding attention with its bright, unmodulated hue. To its right is a deep green field, which appears textured, possibly due to the technique or medium Newman employed. It hints at a natural, possibly organic quality, starkly contrasting with the smooth appearance of the yellow. The juxtaposition of the two colors creates a bold visual statement, resonating with the minimalist intent of Color Field Painters to evoke emotion through simple compositions. Newman’s signature style, which often included a vertical line or band to define spatial structure, known as a “zip,” might be represented in the abrupt boundary between the two color fields. The painting’s title and place within the series suggest that there may be a narrative or lyrical inspiration behind the work, inviting viewers to contemplate its abstract form in the context of a larger thematic ensemble.

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