Minimalist art is having a moment, with an increasing number of art buyers opting for simple pieces that are characterised by clean lines, geometric shapes and muted tones. We caught up with Chelsea Neman Nassib, founder of Los Angeles-based art collective Tappan, to get the full lowdown on the minimalist art movement, including everything from its history to what you need to know before you invest in minimalist artworks.
Can you tell me a little bit about the history and evolution of minimalism in art?
An extreme form of abstract art, minimalism came to prominence during the ’60s with most of the movement’s major figures stemming from the U.S. Artists like Donald Judd, Frank Stella, Agnes Martin and Sol LeWitt are the most recognisable names you’ve likely seen while wandering museums. As Western civilisations began to consume more and produce more than we ever have, the simplicity and quietness seemed to be creating a needed balance. As consumption has grown, I think the minimalist works of today respond to the same stimulus. We’re all looking for ways to minimise the noise and distractions of everyday life.
What are some key qualities that define the minimalist art movement?
The majority of minimalist art revolves around a neutral palette. It also often explores shapes and geometry. The purified and distilled beauty of the subject matter is its more prominent feature.
Why invest in minimalist art?
We always say to buy with your eyes, not your ears. If you love minimal design and that aesthetic movement, then purchase art that draws you in in the same way. From an interior design perspective, it has yet to feel dated as the movement continues to evolve.
What are some key things to look out for when buying minimalist art?
The majority of poster shops and furniture companies that sell decorative art sell minimalist style works because it’s what’s trending now. The majority of those sources don’t pay the artist the same way a gallery does. You also have no background on if that artist is growing and expanding in their practice. By supporting an emerging artist and a gallery that helps to grow them, you’re investing directly in someone’s future as a professional artist. Giving you more resources to do this is one of the reasons we started Tappan.
Who are some of your favourite artists championing minimalism right now?
I think Ethan Caflisch does a beautiful job bringing texture and unique visual elements into his paintings and textile works. Divine Southgate-Smith is redefining how we interact with rendered spaces and definitely creates that pure and distilled moment in her works. Vanha Lam reconstructs simple paintings and shapes into a new sculptural forms to symbolise a need for reconfiguring how we perceive our current systems and ways of living.
