Canto XVIII (1964) by Barnett Newman

Canto XVIII - Barnett Newman - 1964

Artwork Information

TitleCanto XVIII
ArtistBarnett Newman
Date1964
Art MovementColor Field Painting

About Canto XVIII

“Canto XVIII” is an abstract artwork created by Barnett Newman in 1964. The piece is part of the “18 Cantos” series and is representative of the Color Field Painting movement, an art movement that emerged in the mid-20th century characterized by large fields of flat, solid color spread across the canvas to create areas of unbroken surface and a flat picture plane.

The artwork itself presents a stark contrast between the white border and a deep, rich red rectangle centered within the composition. This main red area is bifurcated by a vertical stripe of a slightly darker red tone, creating a sense of depth and visual tension within the piece. The contrast between the shades of red and the subtle variation of color highlights the minimalist approach Newman took in his work. There is a subtle texture that can be observed within the red fields, suggesting depth and a layered application of paint, typical for works within the Color Field genre. Newman’s use of simple geometric forms and bold color reflects his exploration of space, perception, and the spiritual resonance of color.

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