Black Fire I (1963; United States) by Barnett Newman

“Black Fire I,” created by the artist Barnett Newman in 1963 in the United States, is an abstract artwork executed in oil on canvas. This formidable piece, a prominent example of the Color Field Painting movement, measures 289.5 by 213.4 centimeters.

The artwork is characterized by its stark and minimalist composition, featuring a broad, deep black field dominating the left side, while a contrasting pale section occupies the right. A thin, wavering vertical line in black runs parallel towards the right, providing a subtle yet impactful division between the two large color fields. The interaction of these elements invokes a sense of profound simplicity and contemplation, emblematic of Newman’s exploration of space and form.

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