Minimalism Movement

A defining movement in Modernist 20th century art, Minimalism began in 1960s New York by artists seeking to abandon the gaudy brush strokes of Abstract Expressionism. Minimal art sought to convey the essence of objects, abandoning any emotional, substantial or emblematic attachment to art. Painters and sculptors focussed on the materiality of their artworks; often using prefabricated elements alongside a neutral colour palette and repeated geometric motifs. Minimalism can be traced back to Marcel Duchamp's “Readymades," which used prefabricated materials to question the very notion of art. The Minimalists wanted their work to resemble mass-produced commodities, whose meaning was established by the work itself.

With the rise of Sputnik in the late 50s, artists were re-inspired by Russian Constructivism, which influenced the use of industrial materials in art.

Painters such as Frank Stella, Kenneth Noland, Al Held, Ellsworth Kelly and Robert Ryman created two-dimensional, monochromatic works, where the simplicity of these pieces rendered them completely self-referential. Sculpture was also a key medium of the movement, where artists such as Sol LeWitt, Dan Flavin, Robert Morris and Donald Judd explored physicality in their works. Unlike painting, sculpture utilised manufactured elements to create 3D forms, often abandoning the use of supports and placing their creations directly on the floor. This would sometimes allow direct physical contact with the piece; creating a unique rapport between the viewer and the artwork.

Carl Andre: pioneer of the Minimalist movement, Andre was a sculptor who did not sculpt. Instead of carving or shaping, Andre organised materials in a particular way to effectively 'build' his minimalist sculptures. Andre insisted that his installations always be erected in person, allowing them to be manipulated or re-erected in other parts of the room. Cedar Piece was Andre's first work to be exhibited in public.

Donald Judd: American artist, Donald Judd, abandoned conventional painting methods and favoured basic geometric forms and a neutral colour palette. Judd sought to render art completely self-referential, freeing painting from any symbolic or sentimental value.

Robert Morris: an important figure in Minimalism, Morris also aimed to strip art of any allegorical meaning. However, unlike Judd and Andre, Morris' artistic scope transcended core Minimalist values; incorporating examples of movements such as Land Art in his works.

Dan Flavin: Unlike Morris, Flavin remained devoted to one sole material during his art career; the fluorescent light bulb. An avid follower of Marcel Duchamp, Flavin sought to expose the power the fluorescent bulb could have if it were repeated like a pattern. His well-known work, The Diagonal of May 25 was completed in 1963.

Less is truly more when it comes to Minimalism, so abandon all attachment and embrace sobriety through the works of Sylvie Hamou, Pablo Palazuelo and Mario Kolaric.

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