Minimalism
Late 50's - Mid 70's , Emerging Today
The World
Similarities to Hippie Culture - representing freedom of change & adventure
Events:
- Berlin Wall
- Man in Space
- Andy Warhol
- Cuban Missile Crisis
- "I have a Dream Speech"
- First mini skirt appears
- Rolling Stones/The Beatles
- Assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr & Robert F. Kennedy
- Pregnancy Pill
- Post WWII
This era was a wave of invention, rebellion and combat - lead to strong influences for younger artists
The Artwork
*Removed signs of emotion or recognized symbols - allowing freedom of intensity without distraction of theme, composition
Most often monochromatic (plain colors) surfaces such as shapes and backgrounds
No visible brush strokes or textures unless its focus
Aesthetic appeal due to sleek, geometric works (elegant, sophisticated)
Stood clear from Abstract Expressionism - strong contrast of technique, geometry
Steered away from traditional materials instead more industrial, commercial and manufacturing materials.
Color was not used to persuade feel and emotion but to indicate space (House paint rather than oil paint)
Audience
- First came about, challenging authority
Gained so much interest that it moved into industrial uses such as buildings
Fascinating art form at the time, conveying so much from so little
The Artist
- Distanced themselves from Abstract expressionism - removing narrative, symbols
Minimalists aimed to breakdown the distinctions between art and sculpture
Stayed away from traditional art materials - form of rebellion
Rejected the idea of art reflecting emotion from the artist - aimed for audience
Mark Rothko 1903- 1970 (Early Minimalism)
Russian, moved to New York
Not only artworks, he made the Rothko Chapel - in theme of minimalism
Him and Frank Stella are highly recognized in this art form