Minimalism

Minimalism is an approach characterized by simplicity and the deliberate removal of nonessential elements. It appears across disciplines such as visual art, architecture, design, music, and lifestyle, and aims to expose essential aspects of a subject by reducing form, color, texture, and ornament.

The movement originated in the mid-20th century as a reaction against expressive, gestural art and toward neutral, objective presentation. In visual arts, artists such as Donald Judd, Dan Flavin, Carl Andre, and Sol LeWitt promoted simple, repeated forms and industrial materials. In architecture, practitioners like Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and later Tadao Ando emphasized clean lines and open spaces.

Key principles include reduction to the necessary elements, an emphasis on space and proportion, and an attention to materials and construction. Minimalist works favor geometric restraint, uniform surfaces, and a subdued or monochromatic palette. The aim is to reveal the intrinsic qualities of a work by eliminating distractions.

In music, minimalist composers such as Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley employ repetition, phase patterns, and gradual change. The effect is often a hypnotic or meditative listening experience achieved with persistent motifs and steady pulse rather than complex development.

In contemporary culture, minimalism extends to lifestyle and consumer behavior, advocating fewer possessions, intentional choices, and sustainable living. Critics argue that it can be inaccessible or aspirational, and that its practical value varies with context.

Today, minimalist design remains influential in product design, digital interfaces, and architecture, with debates about what constitutes necessity versus ornament continuing to shape practice and interpretation.