“Adam,” created by Barnett Newman between 1951 and 1952 in the United States, is an abstract oil-on-canvas painting. The artwork belongs to the Color Field Painting movement and is part of the Tate Modern collection in London, UK.
The artwork features a minimalist composition characteristic of Newman’s style. It exhibits a profound engagement with color and form, dominated by dark tones with vertical red stripes standing out prominently. These stripes, referred to as “zips” by the artist, create a sense of rhythm and structure within the canvas. The juxtaposition of the broad, dark expanse with the luminous red lines invites contemplation and evokes a sense of depth and harmony, encapsulating the essence of abstract expressionism. “Adam” reflects Newman’s exploration of existential themes and his quest to evoke emotional responses through color and simplicity.
