Minimalism began as an art movement in 1960s New York, focusing on extreme aesthetic austerity. Minimal sculpture and hard-edge painting were culminations of reductionist tendencies – styles which allowed artists to distance themselves from abstract expressionism. The influence of minimalism has now extended far beyond the severe geometric artwork of the late 20th century; its values of simplicity and reduction have more recently been applied to lifestyle. – Written by Alice Healy @ johnscronicle.org

from the collection of National Galleries of Scotland
By Alice Healy, First Year English Literature and History
Minimalism began as an art movement in 1960s New York, focusing on extreme aesthetic austerity. Minimal sculpture and hard-edge painting were culminations of reductionist tendencies – styles which allowed artists to distance themselves from abstract expressionism. The influence of minimalism has now extended far beyond the severe geometric artwork of the late 20th century; its values of simplicity and reduction have more recently been applied to lifestyle.
The minimalist movement is surging. The idea of less is more is gaining traction in mainstream media, most recently on Netflix. Marie Kondo, a Japanese organising consultant, was given a six-episode Netflix series in which the ‘tidying guru’ helps to clear out cluttered households. Gratitude is at the forefront of Kondo’s advice, encouraging clients to only hold onto items which ‘spark joy,’…
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