Untitled 1944

Barnett Newman made this untitled work with crayon on paper. Newman was a key figure in the development of Abstract Expressionism. This movement, originating in the United States, sought to tap into universal emotions through abstract forms. The scribbled quality of this image creates meaning through its apparent lack of obvious content. The intention was to break from traditional art institutions and comment on the social structures of its time. The image's meaning is contingent on a range of factors, most notably the Cold War context, when many artists turned away from traditional representation to explore interior states. The art of this time can be understood as reflecting the post-war mood of uncertainty and the questioning of existing social norms. Art historians might consult artist's letters, critical reviews, and social histories to understand it better.