Born out of the Nouveau Réalisme art movement grew Minimalism, Modernism, and Conceptualism. These are just a few of the many micromovements found during the late 20th century. For example, in the 1970s, the idea of Conceptualism emerged in the art community, challenging the objective of art. “…many artists still felt drawn to the expressive force of material objects.” (Arnason, H. Mansfield, E. 2012). In similarity to Nouveau Réalisme, the distinct idea of art pushed all boundaries of prior movements. It is through Conceptualism that nearly every known art boundary diminished. It was a movement heavily comprised of material objects, simplicity, and environmental sources.
The first Conceptual artist was Marcel Duchamp, who emerged in the early 20th century for his expressive Dadaistic artwork. Duchamp was considered ahead of his time in the art community, becoming a gateway for Conceptual and Minimalist art for artists such as Joseph Kosuth, Sol LeWitt, and Frank Stella. Creating artwork that challenged the narrative of what art was, is, and could be, formulated the principles of the newfound generations of artists. However, unlike the symbolic works from the artist’s past, Conceptual and Minimalist artwork utilized objects and pieces that represented the exact meaning behind the composition. Art during the 1970s and on held an idea that each piece was in fact, what it was. As if there was no deeper meaning or symbolism the artists wanted to present to the viewer. It took a complete turn from other artists, such as the Surrealists, that idolized symbolism and imagination. Through the play-off of past art movements with the eye for the future, the beauty of simplicity overtook the art community and imaged art seen today in the 21st century. Artwork such as Joseph Kosuth’s Conceptual piece One and Three Chairs (1965), Eva Hesse’ssculpture Accession II (1967/69), and Michael Heize’s land art piece City (1972) embodied the modernist elements and representations of the newfound generation of artistry.
As Christians, viewing the artwork, objects, land artworks, and paintings show how diverse and unique artwork can be. The Old Testament states how everyone is made beautifully and unique in God’s image. “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27, ESV Bible). The beauty behind the minds of the artists during the diverse and modern art movements shows just a portion of the imagination, creativity, and heart behind the people God has created. I believe artists, creatives, and individuals alike can view modern and minimalistic artwork with curiosity about how beauty is at every corner. As Christians, reading about art history and viewing artwork from various eras can widen mindsets of respect for others; and I believe Conceptual art is just the starting point for modern artists today. Nevertheless, during the end of the 20th century, artists encapsulated activism, social injustice, and creativity in a light never seen before. It allowed art to be more than an object; art can be an experience and an object.
For more articles on Minimalism through Post-Modernism artwork please visit:
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/m/minimalism & https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/m/modernism & https://www.tate.org.uk/art/art-terms/c/conceptual-art
Hannah J. Pasquini © 2022
References:
Arnason, H., H. and Elizabeth C. Mansfield. History of Modern Art. Available from: Liberty University Online Bookshelf, (7th Edition). Pearson Education (US), 2012. https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/reader/books/9780205953233/pageid/604
The English Standard (ESV) Bible Genesis 1:27
