Neo-Minimalism – The Definition
Neo-Minimalism is an art movement of the late 20th and 21st century. As a part of Post Modern Art, Neo-minimalism brought Minimalist Art closer to Meditative Art by paving way to contemplation for the viewer. In removing the excesses, as Meditative Art form, Neo-minimalism tries to help the viewer analyze the subject and transcend to a higher plane of consciousness. Besides an artist’s genius in painting, it also tries to express the greater will through its concept and creation.
Neo-Minimalism was a reaction to Abstract Expressionism, dominant in the 20th century in Western Art. Pop Art, Op Art, and Minimalism are the pre-cursors of this genre. Neo-minimalism aimed at simplifying art with the help of mixed media, such as ink and pastel, or painting and collage. It takes contemporary aesthetics to newer level through sophisticated tools, like CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs, metal surfaces, recycled oil paints, shaped canvas, embroidery on canvas, and laser cutters. Contrary to the historic genre of landscapes and portraits, ‘formal grid’ is a significant subject matter for the Neo-minimalist artwork.
Neo-minimalism is also known as ‘Neo-Geometric Art,’ ‘Neo-Conceptualism,’ ‘Neo-Futurism,’ ‘Neo-Op,’ ‘Neo-Pop,’ ‘Post-Abstractionism,’ and ‘Smart Art.’
The Artworks & Artists
o Black Cell (1985) & A Perfect World (1993) by Peter Halley (America, 1953)
o Rabbit (1986) & Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988) by Jeff Koons (America, 1955)
o Here (2002) & Accept (2003) by Catherine Burgess (Edmonton, Canada, 1953)
o International Orphans (2008), The Laziness of Motion by Marjan Eggermont (Calgary, Canada,)
o Fibonacci (2007) & 1-2-3 Variation (2008) by Paul Kuhn (Calgary, Canada)
o Drift 7 (Iona Beach, BC) (2002) & Drift 17 (Oregon Coast) (2003) by David Burdeny (Vancouver, Canada, 1968)
o Untitled 1 & Untitled 3 by Eve Leader (Vancouver, Canada)
o Afterimage Drawing (2008) by Tanya Rusnak (Calgary, Canada, 1968)
o Jolity (2008) by Laurel Smith (Calgary, Canada)
o Times Square (2006) & Ooame: Heavy Rain (2006) by Christopher Willard (Calgary, Canada, 1960)
o Diamond Suite (2008) by Tim Zuck (Calgary, Canada,1947)
Conclusion
Neo-Minimalism gave a new direction to art by using paint to express subjects, like the human conditions of loss, love, compassion, mortality, and the mystery of life. The abstract setting of a Neo-Minimalist Artwork appeals to the mind of the observer to go deeper than what meets the eye. With the Minimalistic approach, it often reflects artist views on contemporary society’s culture, such as excessive consumerism, style, and the taste of high-class society, connections, & the complexities surrounding the reality. Neo-Minimalism has evolved into a powerful medium for the Contemporary artists to use their painting as a visual gestalt to connect the masses. diamond painting tiere