Who’s Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue II 1970

Barnett Newman created "Who’s Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue II" using oil on canvas. Newman, working in the mid-20th century, was deeply affected by the trauma of World War II. He belonged to the generation of artists trying to express the unspeakable. His work sought to address profound questions of human existence. The scale of this painting engulfs the viewer, creating an almost spiritual experience. The blocks of color are separated by vertical lines, which Newman called "zips." These zips were intended to evoke a sense of presence and connection. He once said that he was creating, "images of man, not images of nature.” Yet, the intensity of the colors can be overwhelming. The painting's title is a reference to the play "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" which speaks to a sense of vulnerability and fear that underlies human relationships. The canvas reflects the same emotional tension, asking us to confront our own fears and uncertainties.