For the first time in Poland, the POLIN Museum presents Barnett Newman's pivotal abstract art. His monumental paintings, known for vertical 'zips,' engage with the moral and existential crises following World War II and the Holocaust. This exhibition offers a deep dive into his unique artistic representation of suffering and emptiness, rooted in his Jewish heritage and its connection to Warsaw's history.
Read curatorial context and practical visitor information for Barnett Newman. From scratch at POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews in Warsaw
This exhibition marks the first presentation of Barnett Newman's work in Poland, showcasing his revolutionary abstract paintings characterized by iconic 'zips'. The works connect to his Jewish heritage and address themes of suffering and emptiness in the post-Holocaust era.
For the first time in Poland, the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews presents the work of Barnett Newman (1905–1970), a pivotal figure in 20th-century modern art. Newman's monumental abstract paintings, famously bisected by his signature vertical 'zips,' emerged from a profound engagement with the moral and existential crises following World War II, including the Holocaust and the threat of nuclear war. The exhibition aims to give form to the suffering, fear, and emptiness that necessitated new modes of artistic representation. As the son of Polish-Jewish immigrants, Barnett Newman maintained a deep connection to his heritage throughout his career, infusing abstract art with a perspective rooted in Jewish tradition. Though he did not directly experience the Holocaust, its tragic impact on European Jews profoundly affected him, often finding echoes in his artistic output. This exhibition is particularly significant as it is held in Warsaw, a city deeply intertwined with this history, within Muranów, a site that shaped not only modern Jewish identity but also influenced Newman's own worldview as an artist, philosopher, and Jew.
Ticketing information for the exhibition will be available closer to the opening date. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's official website for updates regarding admission and booking details for 'Barnett Newman. From scratch'. Visitors should plan their visit in advance, as special arrangements may be required for popular exhibitions at the POLIN Museum.
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