Minimalism

Minimalism which emerged in New York in the 1950's describes extreme simplification of shape and form in various aspects of art and design, especially visual art where the work is stripped down to its most basic features. It is arguably derived from the minimal geometric forms of the Russian painter Kasimir Malevich. As a specific movement it is identified with developments in post-World War II Western Art, most specifically with American visual arts in the late 1960's and early 1970's. Much of the executed work uses basic shapes and monochromatic palettes of primary colours, accuracy and a vagueness of style.

Notable artists link to this movement include Carl Andre, Sol LeWitt, Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Morris, Kenneth Noland, Richard Serra, Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Agnes Martin, Robert Morris, and Frank Stella. It is ingrained in the reductive aspects of Modernism, and is often interpreted as a rejoinder against abstract painting. Many minimalist artists included sculptors who were concerned with reducing form to its greatest degree of simplicity. They use flat surface pigmentation and even industrial materials. Minimalism also referred to as 'Reductivism' gave rise to process art, land art, performance art, conceptual art, and installation art.