Post-minimalism

Definition

Post-minimalism is an art movement that emerged in the late 1960s and 1970s, characterized by a reaction against the formal rigidity and objectivity of minimalism. This movement emphasizes the use of everyday materials, individual expression, and a focus on process over product, often incorporating elements of performance and social engagement. Post-minimalism seeks to broaden the definition of art and challenge traditional boundaries by embracing a more inclusive and experiential approach.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Post-minimalism emerged as artists began to feel constrained by the strict principles of minimalism, leading them to explore more expressive and subjective forms.
2. This movement often incorporates non-traditional materials such as fabric, wood, and found objects, reflecting a desire for connection to everyday life.
3. Notable artists associated with post-minimalism include Eva Hesse, Robert Morris, and Richard Serra, who sought to incorporate personal experience into their work.
4. Post-minimalist works frequently engage with themes of temporality, process, and viewer interaction, highlighting the role of the audience in shaping meaning.
5. The movement helped pave the way for later developments in contemporary art, including relational aesthetics and socially engaged practices.

Review Questions

• How does post-minimalism differ from minimalism in terms of material use and artistic intent?
  • Post-minimalism differs from minimalism primarily through its use of materials and artistic intent. While minimalism favors industrial materials and geometric forms to create a sense of objectivity and purity, post-minimalism embraces everyday materials like fabric and wood. This shift reflects a more subjective approach, where artists focus on personal expression and process rather than creating static objects. The result is an art form that encourages viewer engagement and interaction.
• Discuss how post-minimalism reflects social engagement within its artistic practices.
  • Post-minimalism reflects social engagement through its emphasis on process-oriented practices that invite viewer participation and challenge traditional art boundaries. Artists often create works that incorporate elements of performance or community interaction, blurring the line between artist and audience. This approach encourages dialogue about the role of art in society, as it often addresses issues related to identity, culture, and human experience. By prioritizing engagement over objecthood, post-minimalist artists foster a deeper connection between their work and the viewers.
• Evaluate the impact of post-minimalism on contemporary artistic movements and its lasting legacy.
  • The impact of post-minimalism on contemporary artistic movements is significant, as it has laid the groundwork for diverse practices such as relational aesthetics and installation art. By challenging conventional definitions of art and embracing a more inclusive approach, post-minimalism has encouraged artists to explore themes of community, identity, and process. This legacy can be seen in today's art world, where engagement with social issues and viewer participation are prevalent. The movement's focus on everyday materials also continues to influence how artists approach their mediums and concepts.

Related terms

Minimalism: An art movement that emerged in the late 1950s, focusing on simplicity, geometric forms, and the elimination of personal expression to create artworks that are objective and self-referential.

Conceptual Art: An art form where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished product, often challenging traditional notions of artistic value and authorship.

Installation Art: A genre of contemporary art that involves creating immersive environments or experiences, often incorporating multiple mediums and engaging the viewer's senses.