The artwork titled “Onement I” by Barnett Newman, created in 1948, is a seminal piece in the Color Field Painting movement. Executed in oil on canvas with the use of masking tape, it is an abstract piece with dimensions of 69.2 by 41.2 cm. This influential artwork is part of the collection at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
“Onement I” is a minimalistic yet profound composition, comprising a simple yet powerful visual structure. The artwork features a dark red-brown background, divided by a striking vertical orange line that runs down the center. This central line, known as a “zip,” is a hallmark of Newman’s style, representing both a division and a unification within the canvas. The use of masking tape to create a precise edge on the zip underscores the artist’s meticulous approach to his work. The juxtaposition of the solid color field and the dynamic central line invites viewers to contemplate notions of space, separation, and unity. The simplicity of the form and the intensity of the colors create a compelling visual experience that is both tranquil and thought-provoking.
