Barnett Newman's "The Stations of the Cross: Lema Sabachthani" series, created between 1958 and 1966, is often regarded as one of his greatest works. This series of fifteen paintings, consisting of fourteen named after Jesus's Stations of the Cross and a concluding piece titled "Be II," marks a significant departure from traditional religious narrative depiction. Newman sought not to narrate Jesus's suffering but to evoke the profound existential question of abandonment expressed in the phrase "lema sabachthani," which means "why have you forsaken me?" This query, central to the Passion, is used by Newman to explore the human condition beyond the context of Christian theology, aiming to resonate with the broader experience of suffering and existential solitude (Wikipedia).
The series has been interpreted as a secular memorial to the victims of the Holocaust, underscoring Newman's intent to address universal themes of agony and abandonment. Unlike conventional religious art that encourages worship or devotion through narrative, Newman's abstract expressionist approach focuses on eliciting an emotional and contemplative response from the viewer, inviting them to confront their own experiences of suffering and existential questions (Wikipedia).
Newman's approach to "The Stations of the Cross" reflects his broader philosophical and artistic concerns. He was critical of the domination of scientific thinking over the creative spirit of modern man, believing that such a mindset stifled creativity by prioritizing the reaffirmation of established ideas over the exploration of new ones. In his essays, Newman argued for a return to the foundational question of "what?"—a question he saw as essential for progress in both art and science. He sought to redefine the relationship between beauty and the sublime, proposing that his generation of artists was creating new standards that fused these two concepts with unprecedented force (The Art Story).
Despite the abstract nature of the series, Newman's work is deeply imbued with spiritual and metaphysical significance. He utilized the format of the Stations of the Cross to engage viewers in an active process of contemplation and movement, encouraging a physical and emotional journey that mirrors the ritualistic progression through the Stations in religious practice. This interactive process is designed to foster a sense of individual totality and connection among viewers, highlighting the shared human fate of suffering and mortality. Newman's work, particularly this series, serves as a profound meditation on individuality, community, and the universal search for meaning in the face of existential despair (MAVCOR).
Critics and viewers alike have found diverse meanings in Newman's "Stations of the Cross." While some see them as minimalistic talismans, others perceive a profound expression of passion and sacrifice. The series challenges traditional narratives of Christ's passion, instead offering a space for reflection on the nature of human suffering and redemption. It's this ambiguity and depth that have made the series a powerful and enduring work of art (FlaglerLive).