Test on Barnett Newman: Abstract Expressionism and the Zip

Question 1: Barnett Newman believed his art functioned as a declaration of political freedom.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials state, 'For him, art was an act of self-creation and a declaration of political, intellectual, and individual freedom.' It further notes his reflection that 'One of its implications is its assertion of freedom…if [it were read] properly it would mean the end of all state capitalism and totalitarianism.'

Question 2: Barnett Newman achieved public acclaim for his art during the 1960s.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Barnett Newman achieved public acclaim for his work in the 1960s, which was the last decade of his life.

Question 3: According to the study materials, how did Barnett Newman view his own abstract compositions?

A. As forms of thought.

B. As purely decorative Color Field paintings.

C. As expressions of the universal experience of being alive and individual.

D. As a political statement against his Polish Jewish heritage.

Explanation: The study materials state that Newman 'saw his compositions as forms of thought, as expressions of the universal experience of being alive and individual.' While critics labeled him a Color Field painter, the text emphasizes he maintained his own view of his abstractions. There is no mention of his art being a political statement against his heritage.

Question 4: According to the study materials, which details best characterize the 'late-blooming' nature of Barnett Newman's artistic career?

A. He began painting in his early twenties and achieved public acclaim shortly thereafter.

B. He spent a decade prior to painting engaged in various activities and considered much of his early work unworthy of consideration.

C. He did not start painting until around age 30, and only considered his work mature in 1944.

D. He found his signature motif, the 'zip,' early in his career after years of formal artistic training.

Explanation: The study materials state, 'Newman’s artistic career was late-blooming and began in fits and starts. He was around 30 when he started painting, having spent the previous decade teaching, writing, studying, and working in his father’s menswear store. He deemed much of his early work unworthy of consideration and destroyed it. It was not until 1944 that he considered his work mature.' Options 1 and 2 accurately reflect these facts, indicating he started painting around age 30, spent the prior decade in other pursuits, and rejected his early output, only considering his work mature much later in 1944. Option 0 is incorrect because he started painting around 30 and achieved public acclaim late in life. Option 3 is incorrect as he found his motif in 1948 and spent a decade before painting in other activities, not formal artistic training described in detail.

Question 5: Karen Kedmey is primarily known as a 19th-century playwright.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Karen Kedmey is identified as an independent art historian and writer, and the associated year is 2017.