Canto XIV (1964) by Barnett Newman

Canto XIV - Barnett Newman - 1964

Artwork Information

TitleCanto XIV
ArtistBarnett Newman
Date1964
Art MovementColor Field Painting

About Canto XIV

“Canto XIV” is an artwork by Barnett Newman, created in 1964. This piece is a part of the “18 Cantos” series and is an abstract work within the Color Field Painting movement. Barnett Newman’s works are known for their exploration of color and form, and this movement places emphasis on the role of large areas of color within a painting’s composition.

In “Canto XIV,” we see a stark composition featuring a large, deep red color field, which dominates the canvas. Within this expansive red space, there is a subtle vertical stripe of a darker, maroon or brownish-red hue. This stripe, which is characteristic of Newman’s signature style often referred to as a “zip,” creates a sense of spatial structure within the otherwise uniform color field. The zip serves to both divide and connect the color zones, suggesting depth and drawing the viewer’s eye into the painting’s surface. The edges of the artwork appear to have a rough, possibly deckled edge, typical for works on paper, adding a textural contrast to the minimalist composition. Newman’s work frequently invites contemplation about the spiritual and metaphysical through such simplicity and scale.

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