99% Invisible The Many Deaths of a Painting
Mar 27, 2019
In this engaging discussion, reporter John Fasile dives into the tumultuous story of Barnett Newman’s provocative painting, 'Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III.' He recounts the shocking vandalism it faced and its profound impacts on the art world. The conversation explores the emotional power of abstraction, the intricacies of art restoration, and the scientific techniques that conservators employ to restore masterpieces. Fasile sheds light on the delicate balance between preserving art and the narratives that come with it.
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Barbara's First Encounter
- Nine-year-old Barbara Visser saw Newman's Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III in 1975.
- The painting's vast redness and puzzling title angered her, prompting her to leave the museum.
Newman's Artistic Philosophy
- Barnett Newman, an abstract expressionist, questioned art's role after WWII atrocities.
- His large, simple paintings with vertical "zips" aimed to evoke a sense of scale and totality, not division.
Public Reaction
- Who's Afraid of Red, Yellow and Blue III, acquired by the Stedelijk Museum, drew strong reactions.
- Many viewers expressed disgust, with one woman finding it nauseating.