What is minimalism?

Minimalism is an art movement that emerged in the post–World War II era, primarily in Western art, and is closely associated with American visual arts during the 1960s and early 1970s. It serves as a reaction against abstract expressionism and modernism, emphasizing simplicity and the idea that a work of art should not refer to anything beyond itself, stripping away any extraneous visual associations^[1].

In visual arts, minimalism features characteristics such as hard edges, linear lines, and simple forms, often using industrial materials in sculpture, which highlight geometric shapes^[1]. The minimalist philosophy also extends to music, literature, design, and architecture, focusing on reducing elements to their essential qualities^[1]. For instance, minimalist architecture seeks simplicity through basic geometric forms and a dialogue between the structure and its surroundings, influenced by principles found in Japanese design and Zen philosophy^[1].