Last Updated on October 28, 2022 by
Minimalist art, as you can probably guess, is based on the idea of simplicity. This movement might have begun in the mid-20th Century, but it only emerged as a popular form of art in the last few decades – these days, you can find the perfect minimalist art print online.
In the points below, we’ll explore what minimalist art is, how it developed, and some of the key artists associated with it. We’ll also take a look at how minimalist art has been received by both the public and critics over the years.
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What is minimalist art and what are some of the characteristics associated with it?
Minimalist art is, quite simply, art that adheres to the principle of “less is more”. This means that minimalist artists strive to create works that are stripped down to their essential elements, without any superfluous or unnecessary details. As a result, minimalist art often has a stark, clean appearance. Additionally, because minimalism emphasises simplicity, it tends to be very geometric in nature – you’ll often see a lot of straight lines and sharp angles in minimalist works.
How did minimalist art develop and who are some of the key artists associated with it?
The roots of minimalist art can be traced back to the mid-20th century, specifically to a movement known as “reductive art”. This was an artistic style that focused on simplifying works down to their essential forms and colours. Key artists associated with reductive art include Kazimir Malevich, Piet Mondrian, and Frank Stella.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that minimalism as we know it today began to emerge. This was thanks to a group of American artists known as the “New York School”, who were heavily influenced by reductive art and decided to take things even further in terms of simplicity. Some of the most famous minimalists include Donald Judd, Carl Andre, and Robert Morris.
Minimalism began to gain wider public attention in the 1970s, thanks in part to the work of British artist Antony Gormley. Gormley’s most famous work is “Angel of the North”, a massive steel sculpture that stands 20 metres tall and has a wingspan of 54 metres. “Angel of the North” was installed in 1998 and quickly became one of the most beloved pieces of public art in the UK.
What is the difference between minimalism and modernism in terms of art movement?
While minimalism is often seen as a subset of the larger modernist movement, there are actually some key differences between the two. For one, minimalism is more concerned with simplicity and abstraction than modernism. Additionally, minimalists tend to use industrial materials like steel and glass, whereas modernists often favour more traditional materials like wood and stone. Finally, minimalism is more focused on the idea of “less is more”, while modernism is more concerned with progress and innovation.
How has minimalist art been received by the public and critics over the years since its inception?
Minimalist art has been received quite positively by the public, thanks in part to its simplicity and clean appearance. However, it has also been criticised by some for being too “cold” and “clinical”. Critics have also accused minimalism of being overly intellectual and elitist.
Nonetheless, minimalism remains one of the most popular and influential art movements of the last century, with no signs of fading from prominence in the years to come!
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