Minimalis

Minimalis, or minimalism, refers to a broad aesthetic and lifestyle principle that emphasizes simplicity, clarity, and the deliberate reduction of elements to their essential features. In the arts, minimalism emerged in the United States in the 1960s as a reaction against Abstract Expressionism. Artists such as Donald Judd and Sol LeWitt produced works that employed simple geometric forms, repetitive structures, and industrial materials, often with neutral or monochrome palettes. The aim was to foreground the object and its perception within space rather than personal emotional expression.

In design and architecture, minimalis is expressed through clean lines, open layouts, and restrained color schemes. Surfaces are often bare, and decorations are minimized to highlight form, proportion, and material honesty. The approach values function over ornament and seeks to create calm, uncluttered environments. In interior design, this translates to sparse furnishings, ample negative space, and a focus on light and texture.

In lifestyle discourse, minimalism describes a practice of decluttering possessions, slowing consumption, and prioritizing intentional choices over accumulation. Proponents argue it can reduce stress and environmental impact, while critics note it can verge on rigidity or commercialized trends.

Across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia, minimalis is used to describe contemporary interior and architectural styles characterized by neutral color palettes, straight lines, and practical, scalable layouts. The term continues to evolve with regional interpretations and digital-age influences.