Meaning: The quote by Donald Judd, an influential artist and critic, offers an intriguing perspective on the modernist artists Barnett Newman and Jackson Pollock. Judd was known for his minimalist artwork and his critical writings on art, making his opinion on these two abstract expressionist painters significant in the art world. In this quote, Judd challenges the conventional understanding of these artists and their relationship to the art movements of their time.

Barnett Newman and Jackson Pollock were both prominent figures in the abstract expressionist movement that emerged in the United States in the mid-20th century. Abstract expressionism was characterized by its emphasis on spontaneous, gestural brushwork and the exploration of the artist's inner emotions and psyche. However, Judd's assertion that Pollock is just as radical and unlike Expressionism as Newman challenges the commonly held view of these artists as representatives of the same movement.

Newman is known for his large, minimalist canvases featuring what he called "zips" – vertical lines or bands of color that divide the space of the canvas. His work is often associated with the color field painting movement, which emphasized large areas of flat color and simple geometric forms. This departure from the gestural and emotionally charged work of many abstract expressionists sets Newman apart within the movement.

On the other hand, Jackson Pollock is renowned for his innovative drip painting technique, in which he poured and dripped paint onto canvases laid out on the floor, creating intricate and dynamic compositions. Pollock's work is often seen as the epitome of action painting, a subset of abstract expressionism that prioritized the physical act of painting and the energy of the artist's movements.

Judd's statement implies that both artists were groundbreaking in their own right, but not necessarily in the ways commonly associated with abstract expressionism. He suggests that Pollock's radical approach to painting is just as distinct from traditional expressionism as Newman's minimalist style. This challenges the notion of a monolithic abstract expressionist movement and opens up the possibility of diverse and divergent paths within the movement.

Judd's perspective on these artists reflects his broader interest in redefining the boundaries and classifications of art movements. As a leading figure in the minimalist art movement, Judd sought to challenge and expand the traditional definitions of art, pushing for a more inclusive and expansive understanding of artistic innovation.

In conclusion, Donald Judd's quote provides a thought-provoking reevaluation of the work of Barnett Newman and Jackson Pollock within the context of abstract expressionism. By highlighting the distinctiveness and radical nature of both artists' contributions, Judd challenges the conventional understanding of the movement and invites a more nuanced interpretation of their artistic legacies. This quote serves as a reminder of the complexity and diversity within art movements and the need to continually reassess and redefine our understanding of artistic innovation.