Minimalism as an art style has its origins in 1960s America. The style was birthed by visual artists who found their inspiration in reductionist paintings, such as the Suprematist works by Kazimir Malevich. Household names of the movement who discovered the non-representational themes of minimalism include artists Donal Judd, Frank Stella and Carl Andre. Minimalist art focuses on space, line and shape with an underlining message of simplicity. It is common for creative minimalist work to feature large amounts of negative space and design elements. In its contemporary form, it matches movements towards minimalist interior design and slow living that emerge as a contrast to the hectic, demanding lifestyles we lead in modern society. Aesthetically minimalist artwork often imparts an atmospheric feeling of calm and relief.

Curated by Sarah Newton