minimalism

Movement in abstract art and music towards extremely simplified composition. Minimal art developed in the USA in the 1950s in reaction to abstract expressionism, rejecting its emotive approach in favour of impersonality and elemental, usually geometric, shapes. It has found its fullest expression in sculpture, notably in the work of Carl Andre, who employs industrial materials in modular compositions. In music, from the 1960s and 1970s, it manifested itself in large-scale statements, usually tonal or even diatonic, and highly repetitive, based on a few ‘minimal’ musical ideas. Major minimalist composers are Steve Reich and Philip Glass.

Minimalism inspired a wealth of writing on art theory, in particular popular aesthetics, and extended its influence into poetry and dance.