Neominimalism: the definition
Neo-minimalism is an artistic movement of the late 20th and 21st centuries. As part of postmodern art, neo-minimalism brought minimalist art closer to meditative art by paving the way of contemplation for the viewer. By eliminating excesses, as a meditative art form, neo-minimalism attempts to help the viewer to analyze the subject and transcend to a higher plane of consciousness. In addition to the genius of an artist in painting, he also tries to express the greatest will through his 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 precursors of this genre. Neo-minimalism aimed at simplifying art with the help of mixed techniques, such as ink and pastel, or painting and collage. It takes contemporary aesthetics to a new level through sophisticated tools such as CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs, metal surfaces, recycled oil paints, cast canvases, embroidery on canvas, and laser cutters. Contrary to the historical genre of landscapes and portraits, the ‘formal grid’ is an important theme for neomimimalist artwork.
Neo-minimalism is also known as ‘neo-geometric art’, ‘neo-conceptualism’, ‘neo-futurism’, ‘neo-op’, ‘neo-pop’, ‘post-abstractionism’ and ‘smart art’.
Works of art and artists
o Black Cell (1985) and A Perfect World (1993) by Peter Halley (America, 1953)
o Rabbit (1986) and Michael Jackson and Bubbles (1988) by Jeff Koons (America, 1955)
o Here (2002) and 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 and Untitled 3 by Eve Leader (Vancouver, Canada)
o Residual Image Drawing (2008) by Tanya Rusnak (Calgary, Canada, 1968)
o Jolity (2008) by Laurel Smith (Calgary, Canada)
o Times Square (2006) and Ooame: Heavy Rain (2006) by Christopher Willard (Calgary, Canada, 1960)
o Diamond Suite (2008) by Tim Zuck (Calgary, Canada, 1947)
Conclution
Neo-minimalism gave a new direction to art by using painting to express themes such as the human conditions of loss, love, compassion, mortality, and the mystery of life. The abstract setting of a neo-minimalist work of art appeals to the observer’s mind to go beyond what appears to the naked eye. With the minimalist approach, it often reflects artists’ views on contemporary society culture, such as excessive consumerism, style and taste for upper-class society, connections, and complexities surrounding reality. Neo-minimalism has become a powerful medium for contemporary artists to use their painting as a visual gestalt to connect the masses.