The Beginning

The Beginning by Barnett Newman

The Beginning, painted by Barnett Newman in 1946, is an early example of his exploration into abstract expressionism, a movement that sought to convey emotion and ideas through non-representational forms. This work, executed in oil on canvas, marks a pivotal moment in Newman's career as he began to develop his signature style characterized by bold color fields and vertical lines, known as "zips." Newman's contributions to the art world were significant, as he challenged traditional notions of composition and narrative in painting. Born in 1905 in New York City, Newman was a key figure in the post-World War II American art scene, influencing a generation of artists with his philosophical approach to art. His work, including The Beginning, continues to be studied for its innovative use of space and color, reflecting Newman's belief in the spiritual and transcendent power of art.

The Beginning by Barnett Newman, created in 1946, is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the artist's early exploration of abstraction and color field painting. The artwork is characterized by its bold use of color and form, marking a departure from traditional representational art.