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Introduction: Sumptuous Minimalism: by Sarah A. Hutchison "The less there is to say, the better it is said. It is sumptuous minimalism." -Declan Kiberd This link explores specific meanings and manifestations of the term 'minimalism' in the visual, auditory, and literary arts of the late twentieth century. The various definitions and examples of minimalist art collected here offer students the chance to study and experience this form of artistic expression. After learning about several different conceptions of minimalism, students can see, hear, and read the work of four contemporary artists whose projects have been described as minimalist. The artists featured include Canadian/American painter, Agnes Martin (1912 - ), American sculptor, Donald Judd (1928-1994), American composer, Philip Glass (1937 - ), and French writer, Marie Redonnet (1948 - ). The web link's progression from visual artwork to music to literature charts minimalism's widespread influence.
Artist Agnès Martin has produced sculptures and poetry; yet, she remains famous for her paintings. Images of her canvases, reproduced here, introduce students to Martin's work as a minimalist painter. Similarly, students gain insight into the creative endeavors of Donald Judd by way of two photographs depicting his work. Judd is best known for the sculptures and installations he has created. This link draws attention to one of his enormous outdoor works of concrete produced in Marfa, Texas and to an untitled indoor piece he made of copper and plexiglass. Next, Philip Glass, who has created many different types of musical compositions, serves as an example of a composer of minimalist music. His piece entitled "Mechanical Ballet" illustrates the use of minimalism's principles in sound. Finally, selections from Redonnet's narratives reveal a minimalist aesthetic in writing. Though Redonnet has published poems, short stories, plays and critical texts, she is most widely known as a novelist. Brief excerpts from each of her trilogy's three novels, Splendid Hôtel (1986), Forever Valley (1987), and Rose Mélie Rose (1987), have been included in the link to communicate a sense of Redonnet's distinctive narrative style. Select articles provide an overview of each artist; the comprehension questions that follow the examples of each artist's work require students to reflect upon the structure and content of the paintings and sculptures they have seen, the music they have heard, and the texts they have read. In addition, students respond to essay questions which require them to express their own response to each piece. Finally, in an effort to engage in the process of artistic expression they have just encountered, students have the opportunity to create their own examples of minimalist texts and to explain their creations to others. Ultimately, this link aims to expose students to various ideas about minimalism and to challenge them to explore and invent their own definitions of the term. The bilingual nature of the information presented
makes it possible to experience the link in English and/or in French.
While the English and French documents are not always identical,
every effort has been made to ensure the continuity of the link.
http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/minimalism.html |
