Being a minimalist, i enjoyed today's class.
Similar to Abstract Impressionism, it is something that i once look at and frowned upon (most people still do), but i can see sense in it all now and like learning more about its origins and the philosophy of the artists who create it.
Notes from today:
- Russian Kasimir Malevich's painting Black Square in 1915 started it all.
- During the 1960's is when it flourished within the art world.
- Dan Flavin, Monument to V Tatlin - 1964
- Mies Van Der Rohe was quoted to say his famous line of "Less is more".
- A work of art should serve a minimal, yet functional purpose without unwanted decoration.
- Neutral, repetition, line, grids, perspective and balance were/are all common aspects of minimalism.
- Controversial within society and its critics due to its lack of subject matter and for the fact some artists would make use of everyday objects that were not created by themselves and display or incorporate it somehow in their work and call it art.
- Donald Judd was a successful sculptured of his day.
- Ab Reinhardt, from the black paintings 1966.
- Walter de Maria.
I was quite crook during class, couldn't stop coughing and sneezing, but this being the case, i thoroughly enjoyed Tess's presentation on this, because as i mentioned already i can relate to the beauty of a "less is more" mentality and try to live my life by it these days.
The relationship between minimalist art and traditional Japanese culture was something i felt was very interesting. Did the western world steal elements of Japanese architecture, design and zen teachings after the wars and then try to re-create it in this new art movement..? hmm i wonder. I can be quite cynical of us westerners sometimes, as i feel we stole a lot of things from the already established and mysterious ways of the eastern cultures.
Anyway, long live minimalism :]
D.
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