What is the Minimalism Art Movement?

Minimalist art is a type of art that deals with simplistic abstract art. Minimalism is a relatively new concept and art style that came into view in the early 1960s. However, earlier modern movements had moved away from ornate styles into more minimalistic forms in the decades which preceded the minimalism movement.

Minimalism focuses on lines, colors, and geometry instead of scenes or accurate depictions of nature. Because of this solid geometric element, it is sometimes called ABC Art.

 While Minimalism is a specific art style, the concept can also apply across other fields, such as music, architecture, design, fashion, and photography. It can be considered the opposite of realism.

Although this style of artwork is trendy in contemporary home decor, Minimalism isn't for everyone. Some people may feel this kind of art lacks any obvious or apparent meaning. 

This article will help you learn more about Minimalism and its uniqueness in the art world.

Definition of Minimalist Art 

Minimalism, and minimalist art, expand on the concepts of abstraction. Artworks that use simple geometric shapes are typical of the minimalist style. 

Like abstraction, Minimalism revolves around the idea that art should create its meaning and not be a carbon copy of anything else. Minimalist art involves no aim to reflect an external reality; instead, the artist wants the audience to react only to what is before their eyes. 

Is Minimalist Art Real Art? 

Art is subjective and therefore eternally debated. Many people, critics, collectors, and the public alike have questioned what constitutes art. Modern and contemporary artforms like Minimalism and abstract art often have their validity questioned.

For many people, artwork should be a visual representation of something that exists. For such critics, Minimalism lacks emotions and meaning. 

At first glance, critics of Minimalism see only what seems to them to be random lines or shapes. Instead, they see a few circles, squares, lines stretched over a canvas, and other geometrical shapes and move on. 

Some critics, and certainly earlier minimalist art audiences, have ridiculed minimalist art. However, to artists, there is a strong meaning and value beyond its appearance. 

Minimalist artists and fans see that minimalist art is compelling as well as challenging because it conveys the complexity inside simplicity demands a subtle, concentrated skillset.

Despite some unfavorable responses to minimalist art, there is a fascinating tradition and some powerful motives to describe all of the sparsity and blank space. 

To some, minimalist art may not be particularly engaging or entertaining to look at, but it is essential to understand that its main aim is just to be. Many art authorities fundamentally define the purpose of all art in the same way. 

For example, you see a painting that displays nothing but a blue circle. It's not always just a blue circle; it can have another meaning, symbolism, or emotion behind it. 

Minimalist art can still tell a story. It may not be an obvious scene or narratives like a painting of an ocean or a starry night; however, it can still be appreciated by individuals who comprehend the meaning behind the art piece. 

The question of whether minimalist art is real art or good art may linger on for a period of time, but like most modern art movements, change is eventually accepted. Until then, Minimalism will continue to impact the art world and challenge the idea of what constitutes an artwork.

Minimalism & Abstraction

Minimalism is closely linked with abstraction, yet not all minimalist art is abstract, and not all abstract artwork is minimalist. Therefore, Minimalism could be considered an extreme form of abstract art. 

Examples of Minimalism Art 

Many influential pieces of minimalist art show the beauty of this style. Examples include:

• Die Fahne Hoch! by Frank Stella
• Yellow Piece by Ellsworth Kelly
• With my Back to the World by Agnes Martin
• Knot (Pink) by Brent Hallard
• Die by Tony Smith
• Lever by Carl Andre
• Untitled (mirrored cubes) by Robert Morris 
• Red Yellow Blue II by Ellsworth Kelly

What are the 3 Characteristics of Minimalism? 

The three main characteristics of Minimalism are: 

• Repetition: The repetition of the shapes may show the tiny changes between each iteration. 
• Geometric Form: Minimalist art often uses geometric forms such as rectangles, squares, or circles.
• Non-Objective: The goal of minimalist art is to avoid displaying any obvious outer references or expressions and is, therefore, like abstract art, non-objective. 

What are the Materials Used in Minimalism? 

Minimalist artists can use any artistic medium they choose, and Minimalism can be observed in photography, sculpture, painting, digital art, and more.

As a modern and contemporary movement minimalists have often challenged traditional concepts of craftsmanship by relying on newer industrial technology and logical procedures. 

Minimalist artworks have often utilized industrial materials like aluminum and fiberglass and frequently applied mathematical algorithms to decide the design of their artworks. 

What Inspired Minimalism Art? 

Several art historians have speculated that Minimalism originated in Asia, and several Western artists, including Agnes Martin, acknowledge incorporating Zen Buddhist elements into their work. Numerous Minimalist practitioners were also motivated by Hindu texts' and the concept of 'nothingness.' Traditionally, Arabic religious art has also been nonfigurative and may have also influenced Minimalism. 

Minimalism was one of the later modern art movements and evolved from abstract expressionism, cubism, and other art movements. Each of these art periods challenged or rejected the traditional art styles that preceded them. 

The transition through each period reached ever greater abstraction, and eventually, Minimalism was gradual throughout the early 19th century. 

What is Minimalist Line Art? 

Line art is a minimalist artwork style consisting of separate straight or curved lines put on a typically plain backdrop. Minimalist line art has no gradients in shade or hue to depict two-dimensional or three-dimensional things. 

Famous minimalist line art paintings, inspired by Matisse and Picasso's line drawings, use flowing lines to depict faces and bodies. They value simplicity and blank space, introducing Minimalism to the art world. 

Why is Minimalist Art so Popular? 

Some critics may hate it, but minimalist art is extremely popular with today's consumers. Minimalist art displays beauty in a highly refined and simplistic shape. It puts forward qualities such as harmony, simplicity, truthfulness, and order. Setting eyes on minimalist art is known to relax the viewer as well as lightning the creativity in them. 

This style of artwork has become increasingly popular with consumers and is prevalent in contemporary interior design. The similarity and striking nature of these line artworks complement modern interior trends and styles.

Is Minimalist Art Contemporary? 

Yes, minimalist art is considered a contemporary art form. Minimalism, which is an expansion of abstract art, eliminates all-important forms to display the art object's simplicity and elegance. While Minimalism was seen in the modern art period, it is still a dominant style today, making it a contemporary movement.