Barnett Newman's artistic journey during the 1940s was a period of significant transition and conceptual development that set the stage for his later prominence in the Abstract Expressionism movement. Initially, the decade saw Newman disengaged from painting, dedicating his time to studying ornithology, natural history, and Pre-Columbian art, and engaging in writing and curatorial work. His hiatus from painting reflected a broader search for a new artistic direction, away from the figurative work he had previously produced​ (The Art Story)​. The transformative phase of Newman's career began in the mid-1940s when he destroyed all his earlier works, marking a decisive break with his past and a commitment to finding a new visual language. This period of destruction and rebirth was crucial; Newman was seeking a form of art that could express his deep philosophical inquiries into existence, creation, and the human condition. It was also during this time that Newman formed significant relationships within the art world, particularly with Betty Parsons, a gallery owner who would later play a pivotal role in introducing his work to a broader audience​ (The Art Story)​. In 1948, Newman made a critical breakthrough with the creation of "Onement I," a work that featured what would become his signature motif: the "zip." This vertical band of color, applied atop a contrasting background, was more than a formal gesture; it was a means of dividing and unifying the canvas, of creating spatial tension and invoking a profound engagement from the viewer. Newman saw the zip as a revelation, a fundamental element that distilled painting to its core components of color, space, and the figure-ground relationship​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​. This innovation was not just a stylistic choice but a philosophical stance, aiming to involve the viewer in a moment of creation and existential presence. Throughout the late 1940s and into the 1950s, Newman's work continued to evolve, employing the zip to explore complex visual and conceptual territories. Despite initial critical resistance and misunderstanding, his focus remained on the exploration of vast, uninterrupted color fields interrupted by his zips, seeking to create art that was immediate and impactful, inviting viewers to confront the canvas directly and without preconceptions​ (The Art Story)​. The 1940s were also notable for Newman's contributions beyond his studio. Alongside other prominent artists of the time, he founded the Subjects of the Artist School, which, despite its brief existence, was a testament to his engagement with the broader artistic community and his interest in fostering dialogue and exploration in art​ (Wikipedia)​. In reflecting on Barnett Newman's art of the 1940s, it becomes clear that this decade was foundational to his development as an artist. It was a period of experimentation, reflection, and ultimately, breakthrough, as he moved towards the distinctive style that would define his contribution to Abstract Expressionism and secure his legacy in the annals of modern art​ (Jewish Virtual Library)​.