Minimalism

Minimalism is a contemporary art movement that emerged in the United States in the 1960s. The movement was a reaction against the expressive and gestural style of Abstract Expressionism and sought to create works that were simple, reductive, and objective. Minimalist artists rejected the idea of art as a representation of reality and instead focused on creating art that was self-referential and relied solely on the materiality of the object.

Minimalist art is characterized by its use of simple forms, geometric shapes, and a restricted color palette. The materials used by minimalist artists were often industrial and non-artistic, such as steel, concrete, and fluorescent lights. The use of these materials was meant to emphasize the object's physicality and to create an experience that was purely sensory.

One of the key figures of the minimalist movement was the American artist Donald Judd. Judd's sculptures were often made of industrial materials such as aluminum and steel, and were designed to be viewed in a specific architectural context. His works were meant to be experienced as three-dimensional objects that interacted with the space around them.

Another prominent minimalist artist was the American painter Frank Stella. Stella's works were characterized by their use of repetitive geometric forms and flat surfaces. His works were designed to be viewed as pure abstraction and rejected any attempt at representation.

Minimalism has had a significant impact on contemporary art and has influenced a wide range of artists working in different mediums. Its emphasis on simplicity, materiality, and objectivity has led to the development of other movements such as Conceptual art and Installation art.