The Case for Minimalism | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios

[@YoungTheFish]

It wasn't until the moment I tried to create a minimalist work that I realize how difficult it really is. Try pouring water into a glass and I notice there are stains on the glass, and the water isn't pure, and the surface I put the glass on is indicating the specific type of living space, and that everything else around the glass is demanding to be removed. Trying to make something without meaning is real difficult.

[@Flamingfeet]

+YoungTheFish The only things that don't have meaning are things poeple can't observe. It's impossible! You just have have to make something close to nothing. What if you fill a room will argon?

[@versasrev]

in your particular instance repetition might empty the meaning of the individual glass, look at Carl Andre's work for example. an overwhelming volume can allow for the disassociation of a regular object. then again, it might just lead you back to an uncanny object situation. either which way a giant room filled with full to the brim glasses seems very appealing. just keep at it, keep thinking, and keep making :)

[@rabia1180]

+YoungTheFish i'm curious, what pushes you to do it? why do you do it?

[@YoungTheFish]

random girl Fine art student, major in film production :) just a curious experiment, I was hoping to learn something from it, which I did.

[@YoungTheFish]

Ophelia Franco You're right, meaning is not the right word :) Should've said "human touch"

[@raderred]

I was born and raised in Marfa, TX--the epicenter for minimalist art in the United States--and remember the very first Donald Judd and John Chamberlain installations going in. As a kid, and even as a young adult, I didn't get it. I lived in a place about as minimal as they come, so this work didn't impress me. Now that I'm older and have worked in big cities for big companies and been through the grinder of life, going back home to Marfa every couple of months and experiencing this simple installations with their quiet stoicism in a large, empty space is actually very moving. I'm often there alone. I think I get it now. If you haven't actually seen or entered one of these spaces first hand, I don't think it's really possible to appreciate--but maybe that's just me.

[@theartassignment]

+raderred Super interesting to hear your perspective. I think you *must* experience these things firsthand--a flat image on a screen or in a book doesn't do it. I'd be curious whether minimalist works in museums or other places than Marfa have any effect on you--when it's not in that kind of expansive, considered environment. For me it's all about being in their physical presence of these things. Although the images of the works in Marfa are often pretty good at making one want to go there. Including me. I've wanted to go for years. I just need to make it happen.

[@jsimon]

"This art just isn't into you". The feeling is quite mutual.

[@theartassignment]

+James Simon Haha. I think many feel that way. Perhaps loving Minimalism is an unhealthy relationship.

[@eli-en]

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[@avedic]

I find it fascinating how I've evolved in my thinking on this style of art. Like probably _most_ people....I didn't get it at first. In fact, I genuinely kinda loathed it. Now though? I absolutely love this style of art. I definitely get it....even if I can't entirely articulate why. What's odd is....my aha moment came when viewing the artwork in the CD booklet to The White Stripes album De Stijl. It immediately resonated with me in a way it never had before. And I haven't seen it the same since. :)

[@Moodboard39]

Pretty neat ​@@avedic

[@chloebaumstark7992]

While I don't 100% agree with minimalism, this video has definitely helped me reach a new understanding and appreciation for it. Thank you The Art Assignment for always doing a wonderful job!!!

[@theartassignment]

+Chloe Baumstark Exactly my hope. Thanks, Chloe.

[@chloebaumstark7992]

The Art Assignment Right back at ya!

[@hellofromlaura6095]

+

[@haroldofcardboard]

with all respect chloe minimalism isnt interested your approval. it just is.

[@afroafrophee]

I'm really enjoying this new format of "The case for ...". As somebody who as always found it difficult to understand quote, unquote art, I feel that the way that these subjects are address are very thought provoking. And for that I thank you.

[@divicool72]

+afroafrophee seconding this!

[@sjwimmel]

+afroafrophee I agree, it's a really interesting series. Also, there are ways to express quote unquote art in written word: "art"

[@krjames203]

“It’s just not that into you.” What a *killer* line that is. Completely captures the opaque, mute, anti-seductive quality of minimalist art.

[@Grayhome]

This is an interesting perspective on minimalism. As someone who has studied theatre, my perspective on the movement is a little different. Minimalist sets, like those described in the work of Samuel Beckett, tend to be more essentialist, using the fewest parts to evoke the maximum amount of meaning. It is interesting that in the world of visual art, minimalism is kind of a rejection of meaning.

[@theartassignment]

+Tyler Graham Interesting. Especially to think about that in light of Fried's impression about the "theatricality" of this kind of work. He showed how the minimalist objects serve to point you to what else is going on in the room. I haven't studied Minimalists sets, and I had a different impression of how they were supposed to function. And I will say I don't think that Minimalist art is a rejection of meaning, per se. It's just finding meaning in a different way. The meaning is in the expanded field of the object, not just within it. It's still meaning, though.

[@TylerMayMedia]

This was an incredible video! I felt like I should have given a standing ovation at the end of it! I definitely appreciate minimalist art, but this video helped give me a deeper appreciation.

[@HansBomers]

I love love love these. Please do one for every major artist and art genre. The worlds needs to hear this; unironically.

[@rossmeche46]

I can't smash this like button hard enough. I love this concise, clean, MINIMAL synopsis of the minimalist movement.

[@jordandunn8283]

These "The Case For" episodes are honestly my favorite. It's causing me to look at more of the art that I thought I originally didn't understand or like.

[@KTherpinderp]

I feel like I have been trying to say these things to my parents for a long time but much less effectively. Thank you for making some clear talking points so that they can at least appreciate the thoughts behind the work, if not the work itself

[@yuvrajsinhkharvasiya2400]

at the start of the video, i was like what is even going on but just after the video ended; it felt like i now understand the importance of this whole art theme. incredible video ❤

[@giglantica]

One thing I found interesting when browsing the comment section for minimalism is that people really think about what art is. The absence of emotion in minimal art helps us to think more. Just take a few seconds recollecting the moments when you were writing the comment and what had gone through to form your own idea. This is beauty of minimalism I’d say.

[@huntingvega3876]

love this. thank you.

[@w.r.ewhywhy]

I have and probably always will struggle with minimalism as an art style. Still, this video connected for me how uncommon and pleasant it is to be purposely understimulated, and It's nice to be encouraged to engage with the space around you intentionally and try to be present in that space. It feels more and more valuable as the world gets more and more overwhelming and demanding of our attention. Thank you! I love this channel so much!

[@booktok-r1v]

Wow. She actually made a really good case for minimalism, especially towards the end. Really well done.

[@svetlanapinto8284]

This is a beautiful perspective on the concept of minimalism. Thank you for this video on behalf of all the young artists and students out there seeking quality knowledge.

[@yanagoncheva4416]

I miss this channel i always find my self coming back to these videos. Thank you for that

[@iliveinmyhead]

I love these videos so much. As someone who was definitely brought up with the BUT IT'S JUST A BOX mentality, I find it fascinating to see things from a different angle. I like how you present an argument rather than just berating me for not getting it.

[@harishwala5882]

Hello from India 🇮🇳, Congrats 😊

[@MrRemorseless]

My favourite art "movement", even when I don't like any particular artist or artwork of its type. What makes me love minimalism is the perspective it proposes, and the very real feelings it brings out in me, of embracing the simple and the purely material. To just hit the reset button and see an ordinary thing with fresh eyes. Ya know?

[@avedic]

Well said. I find it fascinating how I've evolved in my thinking on this style of art. Like probably _most_ people....I didn't get it at first. In fact, I genuinely kinda loathed it. Now though? I absolutely love this style of art. I definitely get it....even if I can't entirely articulate why. What's odd is....my aha moment came when viewing the artwork in the CD booklet to The White Stripes album De Stijl. It immediately resonated with me in a way it never had before. And I haven't seen it the same since. :)

[@hd-xc2lz]

The Michael Fried critique (and the response) is richer than presented here, and if one wants a fuller understanding of Minimalism that's the place to start.

[@CultClassic]

I had, before this video, thought that the point of minimalism was the empty space around it. Now though, I look back on my experiences with minimalism and I agree with the statement that "your position in the room shapes your perception of the thing." Great video.

[@chiarathomas5044]

I saw a Frank Stella painting in a museum when I was a out nine and absolutely loved it. Minimalism has always made so much sense to me. Plus, I got a fridge magnet out of it.

[@BecWelsford]

This video had me and my partner deep in philosophical argument about the definition of 'art' for a long, long time. He's an engineer and I'm a teacher. Our opinions differ so much on so many topics, so conversations are always extremely interesting. Thanks for an enlightening hour of discussion!

[@theartassignment]

+Bec Welsford You're welcome. Not sure if a "!" or "?" is the appropriate punctuation to end that sentence :)

[@BecWelsford]

+The Art Assignment Definitely a "!" :)

[@Balthasar812]

I feel like minimalism in fashion may work a little differently. It may represent something like clarity of thought, focus on detail, or be understated to bring out the character in the person wearing it, but all of these examples involve a creative person trying to express something or have a point of view. This kind of minimalism seemed to stem from artists that resisted having any point of view on their work at all. This was challenging.

[@ThisIsReMarkable]

I think I saw a Rothko in there so I'll use it as an example and comment on that. I used to strongly dislike his work because I said it didn't do anything, it wasn't anything, it didn't take much effort, that kind of thing. But then I saw one in person. And oh boy, did I stand there and just look at it! It was a big white rectangle with a small bright red one underneath on top of a paler red background. The whole thing was alive. It was like it was buzzing or vibrating and I didn't see it until I got up close. It was great to experience and just be with. So I get it. I certainly don't think i like this kind of art as much as others, but as you were saying, I think that's the point maybe? It's not trying to "aspire" to that level of "being". It just is a thing. Great video as always!

[@Rod1712]

The influence of this artistic current on contemporary architecture is remarkable and the spaces are simply captivating.

[@shanachayadavison5857]

This is... wow, I think I'm legitimately inspired for the first time in my life. Kudos, The Art Assignment.

[@alcook8339]

The Holocaust Memorial in Berlin is an amazing example of minimalism, I feel. Walking through the grey concrete boxes in the open air can be oppressive, claustrophobic and upsetting. I also really like that there is so little information about the sculpture itself, so what you feel is absolutely organic and real.

[@enzocompanbadillo5365]

It is too much charged of emotionality to be considered mínimal, in my opinion.

[@Jbeckman-ny3dv]

I was dubious of minimalism until I watched this video. Now I feel like I've found a new respect and appreciation for it, so thank you!

[@nine-vi7rw]

That's so interesting that minimalism is intended to remove emotion, as opposed to what abstract expression had brought. Kinda ironic when people complain about not feeling anything when they look at minimalist work - congratulations, that's exactly what it's supposed to feel like. Also, I love minimalist interior designs. I hope to design my dream home like that one day.

[@KR-nv3ru]

@@EWKification Yup. 👍

[@sunn7045]

I love this channel. It has changed my viewpoint on so many things. Thanks.

[@msdominicana4er]

i came here studying for my art history final and confused as to the importance or relevance of the minimalist movement and the video not only answered the question but gave me a new appreciation toward the pointless art

[@Bill0102]

The level of understanding in this content is impressive. A book with akin insights provided a new perspective. "A Life Unplugged: Reclaiming Reality in a Digital Age" by Theodore Blaze

[@JosueWithContext]

Glad I checked my subscriptions today.

[@ARTiculations]

It's funny because working in architecture - I'm constantly trying to make boxes and spaces that are simple and elegant. When people say to me that they don't think minimalist art is interesting - I actually have a hard time understanding how that could be possible. Lol.

[@theartassignment]

+ARTiculations Hah. But I do think that's because people want vastly different things from their architecture than their art. No?

[@ARTiculations]

+The Art Assignment haha yes probably. Although I'd love to walk into a building that looks like a Dali painting or something.

[@KannikCat]

+ARTiculations I was totally thinking about architecture too while watching this, no surprise. ;) That spatial experience that some minimalism art aims for, and the spatial experience that architecture creates, ring pretty similar.

[@nikeeparekh9941]

This is the art school I've attended, because I didn't know art could be all this. It makes me think, question and make my own things.

[@KariSinkko]

I still find inspiration from simple objects, they fill my mind with wonder.

[@rayamatariki7880]

Sarah, can I please be your personal intern? Your ideas and arguments are always outstanding. I want to learn more! MORE!

[@johnconn982]

Not sure you were explaining Minimalism,but rather just talking about it. What Minimalism is really about seems to be a well kept secret that few understand and because of that misunderstanding a lot of ideas and images get thrown into the caldron, stirred vigorously and presented as tasteful facts. Yum, good .

[@theannaliviams]

I like how art critique has to reevaluate the way they understood and talked about the art object. It sort of brought phenomenology into the picture - this sense of body and space.

[@theartassignment]

+annaliviams Yes, definitely! Phenomenology is mentioned throughout literature about Minimalism. I tried here to describe what it is without possibly alienating people with the word.

[@PocketDeerBoy]

I personally think that above all, art is to be interesting. If minimalism is a deliberate rejection of that, then I find that in it of itself pretty interesting.

[@avedic]

I find it fascinating how I've evolved in my thinking on this style of art. Like probably _most_ people....I didn't get it at first. In fact, I genuinely kinda loathed it. Now though? I absolutely love this style of art. I definitely get it....even if I can't entirely articulate why. What's odd is....my aha moment came when viewing the artwork in the CD booklet to The White Stripes album De Stijl. It immediately resonated with me in a way it never had before. And I haven't seen it the same since. :)

[@jacquelinejournals]

You're great at explaining this stuff. I'm a fan of this type of work.

[@FrazThe]

Is it ever really possible for art to be devoid of context? I mean, these minimalist works are in the context of art which had been creating "pretension" and requiring the viewer to suspend disbelief. They were subverting preconceived notions of art, which is still a meaning attached to it. And even that is assuming we are respecting the authorial intent to such a degree. At the end of the video, Sarah brings up the idea of the complexity of the world and how this art creates another world that tries to get rid of all that it feels is ephemeral. Either way, the work is a reaction to something, and either has a rebellious meaning of the noted creators, or takes on the subjective baggage of the viewer.

[@wheretheywent]

You actually convinced me! I really want to go see some when things open up again!

[@caromontoya2828]

Wow. I'm mesmerized. Thank you :)

[@keerthi-kiran]

Appreciate the fact that there is nothing to appreciate...

[@kjl3080]

Exactly, the fact that *anyone* and *anything* could create this is the point of it. Its a rejection of secret and skills. A white canvas isn’t supposed to symbolize anything. It’s literally just a white canvas. It might help you make a connection of life, but it has no meaning in itself.

[@Zerepzerreitug]

This is the first video I've seen from this channel and I loved it :D Time to binge watch the rest

[@SciJoy]

+Arturo Gutierrez Welcome to the community. I hope you make some stuff too.

[@Zerepzerreitug]

SciJoy I do, but it's all in digital form, so I don't think it would apply among museum-themed art discussions :P

[@ARTiculations]

+Arturo Gutierrez +Arturo Gutierrez if you watch some of the other episodes you will see most of the stuff discussed in this series are not really museum-themed. :)

[@jooniebear12]

Great video! This helped me to understand minimalism in a different way

[@woodrackets]

Very well done. Thank you.

[@innocentoctave]

This is an excellent short introduction to its subject.

[@alessandro24k19]

idk why but this gave me chills thank you

[@kateturner8169]

Hands down my favorite art movement because of it's philosophy.

[@elshog]

I always thought that there was a meaning behind them, thanks for enlightening me!

[@theartassignment]

+Shog AL Mas Well, there isn't meaning "locked inside" them, but I still think meaning is there, floating around it, in it's place in the world, and in your interaction with it. It's just a different kind of meaning that we are perhaps accustomed to unlocking within art. Does that make any sense?

[@DJTyrrell]

I love your commentary, Sarah - and I love minimalism.

[@Moodboard39]

👍

[@starchington]

"I don’t think there’s ever been such a rush towards insignificance in the name of the historical future as we’ve seen in the last fifteen years. The famous radicalism of sixties and seventies art turns out to have been a kind of dumbshow, a charade of toughness, a way of avoiding feeling. And I don’t think we are ever again obliged to look at a plywood box, or a row of bricks on the floor, or a video tape of some twit from the University of Central Paranoia sticking pins in himself, and think: ‘This is the real thing. This is the necessary art of our time. This needs respect.’ Because it isn’t, and it doesn’t, and nobody cares. The fact is that anyone except a child can make such things, because children have the kind of direct, sensuous and complex relationship with the world around them that modernism, in its declining years, was trying to deny. That relationship is the lost paradise that art wants to give back to us, not as children but as adults." -Robert Hughes

[@enzocompanbadillo5365]

Robert Morris´Bodyspacemotionthings is more playful and Child-like than any oil painting will ever be.

[@yukiwhitley]

💕

[@IsaacDavis69]

Great video! Minimalism is totally fascinating and visually so appealing to me. I may be off the mark here but it seems like, and I think you touched on it, that minimalism was a reaction to the ruckus building within society in the 60s. Black liberation, 2nd Wave Feminism, and Queer rights movements were all churning under the surface. People were surrounded by messaging on nuclear fallout and Soviet Conquest. Television was allowing media and advertising to explode into the forefront of public life. It makes sense that artists would seek to create a style that's void of all pretense and nuance, that's stripped of all subtext, that allows the viewer to simply exist in space with the art.

[@huntingvega3876]

I think the artists were in alignment with the civil rights movements. Their work is a rejection of the status quo and whole tradition of Western art, just as Black, womens and queer liberation movements were reactions to the status quo and whole tradition of Western society.

[@inkajoo]

I find minimalist art electrifying. These objects have weight and power when you come into their presence. They are worthwhile.

[@drewliedtke2377]

There is something very powerful in providing the absolute smallest amount of information to produce a desired effect. "Minimalism" is honest in its singularity; sublime objects that are immediately read. They are a meditation in stillness. The first time I saw a Donald Judd in person, I gasped at how suddenly I existed in the space it occupied; "I wanna touch it, but I don't" kept running through my head.

[@theartassignment]

+Drew Liedtke yes! FYI, we just visited a Judd outside at LACMA that you CAN touch. Not one of his perfect finish ones, of course, but still fulfilling to touch it. Highly recommend.

[@KikaJ]

another gem from the Art Assingment....

[@SeiryuNanago]

Recently, I was helping an artist to put up an installation of a white wall with some volume in it. The artist and the curator had a complex explanation about what it was suppose to evoke (the absence and the beyond) but since i saw it from start to finish, I was like 'meh', but I could not tell them that.

[@WeUsedToWonder]

Being from Germany, I immediately thought of Bauhaus as a predecessor to this minimalist approach. Is there a reason why Bauhaus is not mentioned in the video? : )

[@TheZarkoc]

+WeUsedToWonder Wasn't Bauhaus more focused on design than art?

[@WeUsedToWonder]

+Zarko Cekovski Sure, but I guess you could say that in a more broad and general sense, you can find European roots of minimalism in the geometric abstractions of painters associated with the Bauhaus. Furthermore, I guess the question whether design should be considered art or not is open for debate. ;)

[@labart475]

+WeUsedToWonder I think the aim of the video is to make a "case" for Minimalism, so it is more important to explain what it opposes (Abstract Minimalism) and what it stands for than to go at lengths to explain the movement's predecessors

[@TheZarkoc]

+WeUsedToWonder I say art as in something created in order to be displayed not as general design of everyday things. For what little I know of Bauhaus they mostly did architecture and design work.

[@theartassignment]

+Zarko Cekovski There are definitely precedents for Minimalism, and I would agree Bauhaus is one. Others are the works of Russian Constructivists Tatlin and Rodchenko. Also Duchamp paved the way for the readymade. I decided to drop the precedents from the video as I mostly wanted to explain the motivation behind the work and why it still might have any power today. There's so much left out!

[@KENFINITY_3K]

Salaam (peace)! This video was absolutely amazing. I love the descriptions of minimalism in regards to it being defined by the one experiencing it via various perspectives. Art that is actually real... in every sense. I love it. The most Beautiful things are usually the Most simple (with a hint of mystery :)) kudos on the amazing post! keep it up!

[@BNL07604]

I kinda like minimalist art, when I see it, I get the feeling I can think or do (within reason) just about anything I want with it. Freeing might be a good word for it all.

[@studiocurtis]

Yes, "Freeing" is a great way to describe it. Many minimalist installations bring our attention to the beauty of open space, which creates an opportunity for the heart and mind to expand.

[@Moodboard39]

​@studiodont like much clutter curtis

[@cync7878]

Wow!!! Such a great great video I have a new appreciation for minimalistic art The name sounds a bit ironic now since there so much to it in many ways lol

[@theartassignment]

+Cyn Cruz Yes indeed! Not so minimal at all.

[@kyandeiai]

Yes! minimalist art and the worth people impart on it has never made sense to me. Now I know that the artist never intended it to be this way. I feel like I can look at minimalism in a new way.

[@ramenitsuga]

This actually made me cry. Wow.

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

Minimalism the artistic movement > minimalism the commercial aesthetic

[@michaeleaston3018]

I feel like I needed to watch this video. This was fantastic.

[@duckpondwithoutducks]

I find it interesting how so many art styles are reactions to what came before.

[@drewliedtke2377]

Artists try to see what hasn't been seen. Why do the same shit over and over again?

[@exlibris2249]

Looking forward to seeing more content like this in the future. I appreciate minimalism now.

[@GameofKnowing]

I love this video, and I totally see what you're saying. As someone who really enjoys working with his hands, and one who places great value in that gesture, I struggle with pieces where the artist has little or no part in the physical creation of the piece. For example, I've read that Carl Andre, who made some of the stacked wood sculptures in the video, doesn't sculpt or shape his materials in any way. He has somebody else cut the wood. This may seem like a small thing, but it just totally baffles me. It's kind of interesting to me, then, that Donald Judd, also featured in this video, argued specifically against this idea that the artist has to be physically connected to the creation of their work, and I suppose that an aim of the movement was (is?) to challenge perspectives like my own. Judd de-prioritized the method of creation, and instead emphasized the product, separating the act of doing/making art from the art itself. I understand that my perspective is problematic and maybe even downright wrong, but, for the moment, I'm ok with that. To me, there is something important in the act of an artist tangibly shaping their materials that, when combined with intentionality, creates "art". I suppose that, in causing me to explore and question this belief, the minimalists may have gotten to me after all...

[@versasrev]

I would say to keep in mind that minimalist felt strongly and negatively about other types of art. this is what brought them to the work they created. they like us have different opinions, and the only thing we can do with past works of art is to understand the reason for there creation. that said, if you don't prefer minimalism that is totally acceptable, but to dismiss it without understanding it is an entirely different case.

[@TASmith10]

Every year, the school where I teach has dances. One time, I explained to a student why I don't dance. I told her, the whole point of dancing is to show yourself off, to say, "Look at me everybody! Look what I can do!" And, I'm the opposite of that. Don't look at me, just keep walking. So, if Minimalist art is the gallery equivalent of that, then my question is, who'd want to watch me go up on the dance floor and just stand there?

[@peterrnicholls5729]

Excellent presentation, thank you.

[@aamaurismith6658]

In other words:This art finds deep meaning in having literally no meaning.

[@huntingvega3876]

I'd love to understand more about the origins of minimalism, particularly the political leanings of the artists involved (I understand Judd and Andre were quite involved with the late 60s and early 70s political movements.) You touch on this in the video, but to me Minimalism is sympathetic towards the Black, womens, and queer liberation movements because it is a rejection of the status quo and long-standing tradition of art, just as those political movements revolted against the white, male, hetero dominated culture up until that point. All these movements in thinking and action were fomenting at more or less the same time.

[@npcKee]

"supposed to be emptied of pretension." instead... they are the pretension. the pretense that they are art. what's the point of art without a point? and if there's no point, why make it? they're proving a point by making "art" with no point? wouldn't that make its pointlessness the point, making it not pointless at all, and taking away that point? it's a paradox. this entire thing is stepping on its own toes in an attempt to be radical.

[@drewliedtke2377]

Isn't that awesome? It makes me want to go hug a brick.

[@colton6457]

ezralleigh Thats pretty amazing though right? The fact that it sparked this kind of thinking is exactly the intent. Regardless I enjoy minimalism from a purely aesthetic standpoint. Something like Pop Art I can appreciate for its significants in the dialog of art and history, but don’t enjoy looking at it at all.

[@lalalulu1943]

Minimalism=the ultimate irony

[@friedlemons5201]

@@drewliedtke2377 makes me wanna smash my head into a brick

[@dangold9191]

That's true with all art and most other things, be it Fluxus or Football, it never ends up outside of the historical and cultural matrix from it emerges or belongs. We seem drawn to this cycle or process; something new comes along, it changes our perspective, it elaborates and gives us a new way to experience reality. We feel for a moment it might be different, not merely in variety and essence, but made of an extraordinary reality, something fundamentally different from what we know (it is in some way), and then it becomes part of what we know and who we are, and absorbed into our history and culture. That doesn't make it less valuable or stimulating, it makes it subject to what everything else, especially in the western tradition and thought, is subject to; minimalism gets our hopes up, and that's enough.

[@jackbuckley7816]

Good introduction to Minimalism, just wish the narrator spoke more slowly. Of course, the video can be replayed but it's hard to concentrate & digest the info when it's verbalized so quickly. Love the included examples.

[@zileris]

Now I don't disagree with the idea of minimalism, as i do find it's simplicity wonderful. The problem I have lies with an ordinary box selling for thousands of dollars because some one put it in a room and said look at it.

[@janisfroehlig7744]

Nothing like plowing through a stuffy nose paired with minimalism to drive home a point. (Thank you!!!)

[@jacklingharibian554]

Minimalism is a great form of art. It is so liberating, because it only talks only about art. It does not give any room for the artist to talk about reality. It tells you the truth about the illusions that exist in reality. Minimalism tells you the truth that you must hear, because realism and expressionism in art history do not speak the truth. You need to understand the science and psychology of illusions and human perception, in order to understand and appreciate minimalism as a true form of art. Illusions do exist in reality, and they do lie to you. So, how can you place your trust in reality? Hence, you need to move away from reality, and you need to embrace art. If you embrace art, then you must embrace minimalism to gain access to the truth. The truths of minimalism can set the human mind and the human spirit free. It is all a very liberating endeavor.

[@haroldofcardboard]

i am delightedly speechless. THANK YOU!!

[@ANDREASKATSIKOUDIS]

Excellent presentation! Thank you!

[@darubim]

Great video, thanks! I would love to see the case for Joseph Beuys!

[@DJSTOEK]

This was cool. Thank you

[@gold333]

Amazing video. Brought a tear to my eye. But unfortunately it missed one of the most important things about minimalism. That great minimalism departs the subjective art of mankind but enters the objective (at least objective to this universe) art of mathematics (both theoretical and biological mathematics).

[@MarloweDash]

The question i have is - how is this work evaluated? What makes one plywood box a work of minimalism and another not?? Thx 😊

[@randomname5546]

I really love these kinds of videos, they make me think differently about the subjects and challenge my perception in a positive way. Thank you :-)

[@StealingCookiez]

Abstract and minimalist art have become my favorites as I have grown as a person. To me, art has no legitimate meaning because it is actually a human creation. Everything we use to make art already exists in the universe whether they're together or not. It doesn't matter whether it's the Mona Lisa or just a red canvas, it is all made of matter.

[@getbetterdontgetbitter]

Amazing, amazing. Very classy and real, as always.

[@wmconorbrown]

Are there any connections between minimalist art and minimalist music (like Phillip Glass?)

[@MarianaMartins_MM]

Such an amazing and well done video!

[@RahulTiwari80]

I wonder how you do research and come up with such a deep and unique videos.

[@Moodboard39]

What u think ? By researching ...it could be her only or a team duh

[@prashanthmallik8744]

Just a question.......where do we draw a line between sculpture and installation?

[@adubzzz]

They are VERY different actually. A sculpture is usually an individual object and an istallation would be the environment itself as art. That is to put it EXTREMELY simply.

[@dhruvjoshi588]

Is the transcript for this youtube video available? It would be awesome to get my hands on it, thanks! :)

[@littlecurrybread]

Still don't like minimalism just aesthetically but these are great points and can get behind this 100%!

[@rabahelaawar2499]

Dear team at The Art Assignment, I feel the works by Anthony Caro that were displayed in this video are not exactly Minimilast as much as they were Abstract Expressionist. Caro nevertheless belonged to the New Generation Sculpture artists in the UK. His style could recall that of David Smith for an instance, but not really close to the style of the other evident Minimalists, such as Carl Andre, Tony Smith, Donald Judd, Anne Truitt, Agnes Martin, and others.

[@funstuff81girl]

I feel increasingly tired with rejecting what came before. iconoclasm. I feel that in many ways it's much braver to just make, make whatever is best, most real most beautiful. we can forever go on applauding new, revolutionary things, but outside of the reaction, where is its essence? will art forever chase its own tail?