Minimalism is an extreme form of abstract art developed in the USA in the 1960s and typified by artworks composed of simple geometric shapes based on the square and the rectangle. With minimalism, no attempt is made to represent an outside reality; the artist wants the viewer to respond only to what is in front of them.
At home, You can create your own minimalist art using the Minimal Space handout.
Learn new vocabulary: Geometric, Simplicity, Spacious
Tool Kit: Minimal Space Handout, pencils, and colored pencils or crayons.
Directions:
Step 1:Look online for different minimalist paintings and artists. (Several will be shown in the included video). A popular minimalist artist is Donald Judd.
Step 2:Minimalism depends a lot on the space that the art occupies. Think about how these artists use their space to better showcase their work. Do they have it in one cramped corner of the room or is it in a spacious, open area? Do you appreciate the simplicity of the work or do you find it to be boring and underwhelming?
Step 3:Using the handout provided, draw objects as simple geometric shapes and write what they represent. This could mean triangles for mountains, rectangles for doors, whatever you can simplify down into the most basic of shapes. Then, using these objects, create a minimalist drawing in the space provided.
Group Activity: Show off your minimalist art to your friends and family. Do they enjoy the simplicity of the art? Can they see what the simple shapes represent? If they can’t, think about what you could have done to better show those are the objects you were trying to represent.
Extend Your Journey: Minimalism doesn’t have to stop at pictures. Try creating minimalist sculptures or taking pictures that show the least but say the most. What do you end up enjoying more?