Jericho - Barnett Newman

A striking triangular canvas by Barnett Newman, featuring a bold red vertical zip against a deep, dark field of colour.

Jericho, created by Barnett Newman between 1968 and 1969, represents a departure from the rectangular formats that defined much of his earlier career. The work consists of a large, triangular canvas dominated by a deep, near-black field of colour. This expansive surface is bisected by a single, vertical band of bright red, a signature element Newman termed a zip. The triangular shape forces a different engagement with the viewer, as the geometry of the support dictates the spatial relationship between the painting and the wall. Newman was a central figure in the development of American abstract painting during the mid-twentieth century. His practice focused on the capacity of colour and scale to evoke a sense of presence. By removing traditional representational elements, he sought to create a direct experience of the sublime. The zip serves to define the space around it, acting as a vertical axis that anchors the composition. In Jericho, the contrast between the dark, expansive triangle and the sharp, vertical red line creates a tension that is both physical and optical. The red line appears to vibrate against the dark ground, drawing the eye upwards towards the apex of the triangle. This work belongs to a series of shaped canvases that Newman explored in his later years. These pieces challenge the conventional boundaries of the picture plane. The triangular form is not merely a container for the image, but an integral part of the work itself. The viewer is invited to contemplate the relationship between the geometric form and the application of colour. Through this reduction of visual information, Newman directs attention to the act of seeing and the immediate impact of the work on the viewer's perception. The precision of the execution ensures that the focus remains on the interplay of colour and form, stripped of extraneous detail.