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Intro to Public Relations

Minimalism emerged in the 1960s as a reaction to Abstract Expressionism's emotional intensity. It focused on simplicity, objectivity, and geometric forms, emphasizing the physical presence of artwork rather than representation or symbolism.

Minimalist artists used industrial materials and manufacturing processes, rejecting traditional artistic mediums. They encouraged viewers to engage directly with the artwork's physical presence, exploring the relationship between object, space, and observer.

Minimalist Art Principles

Simplicity and Objectivity

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  • Minimalism emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against Abstract Expressionism's emotional expressiveness
  • Emphasized simplicity, objectivity, and removal of personal expression
  • Characterized by geometric forms often repeated in series or grids
  • Focused on physical presence of the work rather than representational qualities
  • Aimed to create self-referential works highlighting inherent qualities of materials and forms
  • Rejected external meanings or symbolism
  • Introduced concept of "specific objects" by Donald Judd
    • Works existing between painting and sculpture
    • Often mounted on walls or floors

Viewer Experience and Material Truth

  • Emphasized viewer's physical experience of artwork in space
  • Encouraged phenomenological approach to perception and interaction
  • Centered on principle of "truth to materials"
    • Highlighted intrinsic properties of materials
    • Avoided manipulation or disguise of material qualities
  • Promoted direct engagement with artwork's physical presence
  • Created works that demanded active viewer participation
  • Explored relationship between art object, surrounding space, and observer

Industrial Aesthetics

  • Utilized industrial materials (steel, aluminum, plexiglass)
  • Incorporated fluorescent lights as artistic medium
  • Rejected traditional artistic mediums and craftsmanship
  • Embraced prefabricated elements and manufacturing processes
  • Produced artworks with smooth, impersonal surfaces
  • Lacked evidence of artist's hand in final product
  • Blurred boundaries between art and everyday objects

Minimalism and the 1960s

Social and Political Context

  • Emerged during significant social and political upheaval in the United States
  • Coincided with Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, and counterculture movement
  • Stripped-down aesthetic rejected excess and consumerism of post-war American society
  • Sought to create art free from subjective interpretation
  • Reflected desire for objectivity and clarity amid ideological conflicts
  • Aligned with rapid technological advancements and increased industrialization
  • Resonated with growing interest in phenomenology and existentialism

Democratic and Countercultural Elements

  • Used readily available materials and simple forms
  • Reflected egalitarian ideals of 1960s social movements
  • Rejected traditional artistic hierarchies
  • Emphasized present moment experience
  • Aligned with countercultural ethos of challenging established norms
  • Questioned nature of art and its role in society
  • Democratized art experience by removing need for specialized knowledge

Philosophical and Cultural Resonance

  • Explored concepts of perception and consciousness
  • Engaged with ideas of space and time in artistic experience
  • Reflected broader cultural shift towards minimalism in design and architecture
  • Influenced by Eastern philosophy (Zen Buddhism)
  • Challenged traditional notions of artistic skill and craftsmanship
  • Emphasized intellectual engagement with artwork
  • Promoted idea of art as a conceptual rather than purely visual experience

Industrial Materials in Minimalist Sculpture

Manufacturing Techniques and Collaboration

  • Embraced industrial manufacturing processes for precise, uniform production
  • Emphasized seriality and repetition in artwork creation
  • Enabled large-scale works with consistent, impersonal surfaces
  • Collaborated with fabricators and manufacturers
  • Challenged traditional notions of artistic authorship
  • Shifted focus from individual craftsmanship to conceptual design
  • Allowed for modular and adaptable artworks

Material Properties and Artistic Exploration

  • Utilized steel, aluminum, plexiglass, and fluorescent lights
  • Departed from traditional sculptural media (bronze, marble)
  • Emphasized physical presence and material qualities of objects
  • Explored concepts of weight, density, and surface texture
  • Investigated interaction between materials and light
  • Created works with reflective or transparent properties
  • Experimented with industrial finishes and coatings

Spatial and Conceptual Innovations

  • Blurred boundaries between art and everyday objects
  • Questioned nature of art itself through material choices
  • Explored modularity in sculpture design
  • Created site-specific works adaptable to different spaces
  • Investigated relationship between artwork and architectural environment
  • Challenged traditional gallery and museum display conventions
  • Promoted new ways of experiencing and interacting with sculpture

Judd vs Andre vs Flavin

Artistic Approaches and Mediums

  • Donald Judd created "specific objects" with box-like forms in serial progressions
  • Carl Andre produced floor sculptures using standardized units (metal plates, bricks)
  • Dan Flavin developed light installations with commercially available fluorescent tubes
  • Judd focused on three-dimensional forms and spatial relationships
  • Andre emphasized two-dimensional aspect of sculpture and horizontality
  • Flavin primarily worked with light as a transformative medium
  • All three artists committed to using industrial materials and processes

Viewer Interaction and Spatial Engagement

  • Judd's works emphasized relationship between object, space, and viewer
  • Andre's sculptures invited viewers to walk on them
  • Flavin's installations explored transformative potential of light in architectural spaces
  • Judd's sculptures often adaptable to different environments
  • Andre designed works for specific locations
  • Flavin's installations intrinsically tied to their architectural contexts
  • Each artist developed distinct approaches to form, space, and viewer interaction

Material and Color Exploration

  • Judd incorporated color in his three-dimensional forms
  • Andre maintained natural appearance of materials in his sculptures
  • Flavin used colored fluorescent tubes to create immersive environments
  • Judd explored interactions between color, form, and space
  • Andre focused on raw material properties and arrangement
  • Flavin investigated effects of colored light on perception and atmosphere
  • Each artist pushed boundaries of traditional sculpture through unique material approaches

Term 1 of 26

Acrylic
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Acrylic is a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It is known for its versatility, vibrant colors, and ability to mimic the properties of oil or watercolor paints while being water-soluble when wet. Artists value acrylic for its quick drying time, which allows for layering techniques and fast-paced painting, making it a popular medium in various artistic movements.

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Term 1 of 26

Acrylic
See definition

Acrylic is a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It is known for its versatility, vibrant colors, and ability to mimic the properties of oil or watercolor paints while being water-soluble when wet. Artists value acrylic for its quick drying time, which allows for layering techniques and fast-paced painting, making it a popular medium in various artistic movements.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Term 1 of 26

Acrylic
See definition

Acrylic is a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in an acrylic polymer emulsion. It is known for its versatility, vibrant colors, and ability to mimic the properties of oil or watercolor paints while being water-soluble when wet. Artists value acrylic for its quick drying time, which allows for layering techniques and fast-paced painting, making it a popular medium in various artistic movements.



© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

© 2025 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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