Minimalism emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against abstract expressionism. It is characterized by simplicity and often features repetition. The movement includes artists like Donald Judd and Agnes Martin in visual arts, and composers like Philip Glass and Steve Reich in music.
The Japanese aesthetic principle of Ma refers to empty or open space, removing unnecessary internal walls and opening up the space to reduce everything down to the most essential quality.
In 1915, Russian painter Kasimir Malevich created the iconic 'Black Square on a White Background', a minimalist piece that symbolized simplicity and marked the beginning of the emphasis on essentials in art.
In 1948, Donald Judd began studying philosophy at Columbia University, later pursuing a master's in art history under Meyer Schapiro. His academic background influenced his critical writing and provided him with confidence in his opinions.
Yves Klein created the Monotone Symphony in 1949, consisting of a single sustained chord followed by silence. This work served as a precursor to La Monte Young's drone music and John Cage's 4′33″.
Yves Klein held the first public exhibition of his monochromatic paintings in November 1950, marking a significant moment in the development of minimalist art.
Die Fahne Hoch! is a key monument in modern art, challenging traditional dichotomies between painting and sculpture. It features a monochrome rectangular painting with broad black stripes painted on raw canvas, inviting viewers to confront the work on a physical level.
In 1960, Richard Bellamy opened the Green Gallery on 57th Street, which became a hub for artists like Robert Morris and Dan Flavin who would later be recognized as minimalist. Bellamy aimed to showcase a different kind of art from the prevailing style of the decade.
Donald Judd did not like the term 'Minimalism' and instead preferred 'primary structures'. This preference led to the collaboration of influential artists like Sol LeWitt, Dan Flavin, and Robert Morris in the Minimalism movement.
The inspirations for artists in the Minimalism movement are not specified in the input.
The minimalists drew inspiration from Russian Constructivism and Marcel Duchamp's ready-mades. Russian Constructivism sculptures focused on modern fabrication techniques, while Duchamp's ready-mades highlighted the use of pre-fabricated materials in sculpture.
Minimalism started to take shape in 1965, with developments like the 'Light and Space' painting by Robert Irwin in California, showcasing simple geometric shapes in artwork.
The Primary Structures Exhibition in 1966 at the Jewish Museum in New York was a significant event that showcased works by key Minimalist artists like Sol LeWitt, Dan Flavin, Robert Morris, Carl Andre, and Donald Judd. The exhibition helped establish Minimalism as a major force in the art world.
Further evolution of minimalist styles and artworks continued in 1967, contributing to the growth and diversification of the minimalist movement.
Frank Stella created simple canvases using only line, solid color, and geometric forms, where paint and canvas were combined inseparably.
Minimalists aimed to eliminate the appearance of composition in their work. Minimalism is considered a significant turning point in art history and continues to have a profound influence today.
Filmmakers such as Robert Bresson and Yasujirō Ozu are linked to minimalism in film, characterized by simple storytelling, straightforward camera work, and minimal use of music. This style is also referred to as 'transcendental cinema' by Paul Schrader.
Oneness of Concrete is an artwork by Jiro Takamatsu from 1971, known for its exploration of concrete as a material.
Donald Judd's artwork Untitled from 1972 is a representation of truth, order, simplicity, and harmony in minimalist art.
Dan Flavin's work differs by focusing on the shape and color of light emitted by fluorescent tubes. The art is not the material itself but the light, diverging from traditional Minimalist interests in prefabricated materials.
In 1981, Donald Judd continued to reject the label of minimalism in a letter to The Village Voice. He argued that minimalism was a non-existent concept and criticized the attribution of traits to something that he believed was not real.
White Cubes exemplifies Sol LeWitt's interest in modular structures and geometric forms. The work's lack of meaning and descriptive title reflect the Minimalist aesthetic of using objects for themselves, free from symbolism or representation.
Absalon is a series of architectural models created by the artist Absalon in 1992.
The Vitra Conference Pavilion in Weil am Rhein, built in 1993, focuses on establishing a dialogue between building, human movement, site, and nature. It uses simple forms to contrast filled and void space, enhancing the light, wind, time, and nature in the space.
The slow food movement originated as a protest against the opening of a McDonald's in Rome, advocating for quality over quantity and a more deliberate pace of life. It later inspired similar subcultures in sustainable fashion and travel.
An exhibition showcasing the work of Eve Hesse, one of the most important sculptors of the late 20th century, held at Tate Modern from November 13, 2002, to March 9, 2003.
The exhibition at Tate Modern featured the works of Donald Judd, offering a glimpse into his artistic vision and impact.
A past exhibition titled 'Open Systems: Rethinking Art c.1970' held at Tate Modern from June 1 to September 18, 2005.
A past exhibition featuring the works of Roni Horn, also known as Roni Horn, at Tate Modern from February 25 to May 25, 2009.
The growing awareness of the negative impact of consumerist standards on well-being and the environment has fueled the popularity of minimalism as a lifestyle choice. Minimalism advocates for owning less, reducing waste, and prioritizing experiences over material possessions.
The exhibition at Tate Modern showcased Agnes Martin's artistic journey from her early works to her later pieces, highlighting her influence on subsequent artists.
The Minimalists, consisting of Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, and Matt D'Avella, directed and produced the film 'Minimalism: A Documentary', which explores the concept of minimal living in the contemporary world.
Kyle Chayka's article 'A Short History of Minimalism' delves into the origins of minimalism, focusing on Donald Judd, Richard Wollheim, and the evolution of minimalist art.
The concept of minimalism has evolved from ancient philosophies to modern art, shaping the less-is-more vibe we see today.