Robert Ryman's multi-panel works stand as a significant part of his exploration into the possibilities of painting, emphasizing minimalism and the intrinsic qualities of the materials used. Beginning his professional journey in 1955 with monochrome painting, Ryman became known for his abstract, predominantly white-on-white compositions that delve into the essence of painting itself. His approach is characterized by a focus on the painting's surface, the physicality of the materials, and how these elements interact with the surrounding space.

In 1968-69, Ryman embarked on the creation of his Classico series, which epitomizes his multi-panel approach. This series consisted of compositions made from heavy, creamy white sheets of Classico paper, mounted on foamcore and reattached to the wall. These works were characterized by their textural qualities, the built-up paint edge tracing the outline of masking tape, and the variations in the organization of the paper sheets. These pieces are a testament to Ryman's commitment to exploring the materiality of the painting medium and the process of creation itself.

Ryman's works from the early 1970s until 2003 were often mounted on the wall using metal brackets specifically designed for each piece, underscoring his attention to the relationship between the artwork and its environment. This period also saw Ryman experimenting with different materials and surfaces, including fiberglass, cotton, and linen, in his Surface Veil works, further investigating the interplay between texture, opacity, and the physical support of the painting.

Throughout his career, Ryman preferred to refer to his artworks by "names" rather than titles, reflecting his view that the works were not representative of anything beyond their material and medium. His solo exhibitions and retrospectives, including his first solo museum show at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City in 1972 and a major retrospective spanning several locations in 1993-94, have celebrated his innovative contributions to the art world. Notably, the Hallen für Neue Kunst in Switzerland once held the largest public collection of Ryman's work, emphasizing his significant impact on contemporary art.

Ryman's exploration of painting through his multi-panel works and other contributions have not only challenged viewers to engage closely and attentively with his art but also expanded the dialogue around the potential of minimalist painting​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Kiddle)​.