July 27, 2022

48. Minimalism & Post-Minimalism

“During the era of Bugaloo and the Frug, Abstract Expressionism expanded into a large ball of hot gas, then suddenly collapsed into a black hole, where it still sits, spinning and refusing to give off light. This event was called Minimalism. A lot of people believed it was the final stage in the evolution of art. But it turned out to be just another bump in the gravitational field of Western culture.” – Brad Holland

What was it about? What were the goals?

A bit of historical context:

The underlying philosophy of the period:

How was it represented in the other arts – music, architecture, and literature?

The term minimalism can apply to many things, from an aesthetic for design and architecture, to fashion, cooking, and even one's lifestyle. As specific art movements, it primarily concerns painting and sculpture, although there was also a big minimalist movement in music.

Was it great?

Some leading figures of Minimalism:

Joseph Albers (German-American, 1888-1976)

Mark Rothko (Latvian-American, 1903-1970)

Barbara Hepworth (English, 1903-1975)

David Smith (American, 1906-1965)

Tony Smith (American, 1912-1980)

Agnes Martin (American, 1912-2004)

Ad Reinhardt (American, 1913-1967)

Nassos Daphnis (Greek-American, 1914-2010)

Anne Truitt (American, 1921-2004)

Ellsworth Kelly (American, 1923-2015)