The Development and Consummation of Minimalism: a "Subtractive Aesthetics"

In the modern era, which has witnessed both the democratization and super-abund ance of information, complicated structural forms have fallen out of fashion in many quarters: indeed, they have often been deemed redundant. After the emergence of Modernism, many subscribed to the view that "the useless need not exist". In consequence, a movement designated "Minimalism" enjoyed an increasing vogue. Minimalism itself might be termed "the art of the less". As a philosophical model, value, and even lifestyle, it expanded to fields such as art, architecture, design and furnishing. First, this paper will explore the genesis, background and content of this artistic perspective. Next, the author will consider the movement in a broad scope, examining its evolution from the 1960s. In this context, the paper will largely discuss Minimalism from the three perspectives of painting, sculpture and architectural design. Finally, a conclusion will evaluate the main challenges associated with Minimalism, while also considering its future aesthetic development.