As a significant trend in recent times, the term Minimalism is now mostly associated with the decluttering of living spaces, or streamlined and simplified designs in our homes. Our daily navigation of this complex and overwhelming world has pushed us to subscribe to the idea of “less is more”, compelling us to transform our personal spaces into calm sanctuaries that are void of chaos and stimuli.

The art that we choose to suit Minimalist interiors are also pared down. Pieces that have simple geometric shapes and elements show the essence of the geometric forms and materials, and are apt to create a sense of serenity and peace. The Artling offers an extensive collection of Minimalist art that embodies these qualities and is an invaluable resource for interior designers seeking works in this genre. To understand how these artworks can influence our spaces, let us dive deeper into its origins.

What You See is What You See

Despite its current popularity, Minimalism is not a new concept and its expression can be traced back to the Minimalism art movement originating from the United States in the 1960s. It was characterized by a commitment to simplicity, moving away from the excessiveness and emotionality of Abstract Expressionism.

Expression, biography, complex subjects, and social agendas were removed, leaving viewers to interpret their works for what they are - a purified form of beauty and truth. The concept influenced everything from art, design, architecture, sculpture, music, theater and literature.

One of Minimalism’s most influential artists was painter, sculptor and printmaker, Frank Stella (1936-2024), whose statement “What you see is what you see” became the movement’s mantra. His Black Paintings and monumental prints revolutionized artistic practices in Minimalism and Abstraction. Stella’s Die Fahne Hoch! (middle) appears to be meaningless with the exception of its title. In this painting, the lighter lines are raw canvas that was left blank between its broad black stripes.

Origins in Asian Philosophies

Many of the movement’s pioneering artists were inspired by Asian philosophies like Zen Buddhism and the concepts of "endlessness" and "nothingness" found in Hindu scriptures. Canadian-born Agnes Martin (1912-2004) was said to have read the foundational work of Taoism,Tao Te Ching, practiced meditation, and her worldview shaped by a mix of Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and Christianity.

In her works, she often used spiritual concepts, like the ones in Taoism and Zen Buddhism, and believed in looking inwards and emptying the mind. These were the principles of Zen monks, some of whom were known for their monochrome paintings.

Features of Minimalist Art and Iconic Artists

Some key characteristics of Minimalism in paintings are its two-dimensionality, simple color schemes and geometric shapes - sometimes in repetition. These paintings don’t possess a meaning to the composition, even though they may create an illusion of depth and space.

Through a rigorous study of abstraction, Ellsworth Kelly (1923–2015) developed his practice in experimental ways by drawing from his observations of nature and architectural forms. The Red Yellow Blue series affected the course of color-field painting and was created as Kelly began to “uncover the nearly infinite possibilities of monochrome, color spectrum, chance ordering, and multi-panel composition.”

Red Yellow Blue II is composed of seven panels, with a black panel in the center that divides but also joins the three panels on either side. Two blue panels unify the sequence on both ends, underlining Kelly’s understanding of composition. This painting is the largest out of the works he made during his time in Paris and is considered to be one of his finest and most influential works on canvas.

Sol LeWitt (1928-2007) created 1,350 wall drawings during the four decades of his career, comprising roughly 3,500 installations at over 1,200 venues. These drawings were straight lines in black pencil lead; colorful wavy rendered lines; monochromatic geometric forms and bright panels in acrylic paint. They were explorations into architecture and art, as they took on the forms of the respective spaces that they were made in.

Sculpture was a large part of the movement, where the objects were fundamental in their shapes as the artist’s aim was to simply highlight its three-dimensionality. For example, a cube was just a cube. Artists wanted the viewers to perceive the relationship between an object's individual parts and how they come together to form a unified whole.

Conceptual and Minimalist artist Robert Morris (1931-2018) advanced the visual properties of four plywood boxes by covering them in mirrors. With Untitled (Mirrored Cubes), viewers are forced to confront themselves in their reflections when walking around the boxes. The act of admiring an artwork is then changed to an act of looking.

Untitled (in honor of Harold Joachim) 3 by Dan Flavin (1933-1996) was composed of fluorescent light and metal fixtures, and he limited his practice to commercially available materials. Rejecting the notions of Abstract Expressionism, he took to using such hardware and inserted them into the world of high art. Incredibly straightforward, this work also embodied a deep sophistication.

Flavin’s light fixtures were more than just physical objects - they also interacted with their surroundings by emitting warm, artificial light. The light created an immersive experience for visitors, with the sculpture's elements actively shaping the atmosphere and environment around them - it washed the walls with colors and went beyond the space they inhabited.

Rainbow Pickett (1965 / 2004) is a room-sized sculptural installation by Judy Chicago (1939- ), comprising six trapezoids of different colors and lengths, made from monochrome-painted canvas over plywood frames. The trapezoids lean against the wall at 45 degree angles, decreasing in order of size. By creating works that test the limits of color through her self-designed diagrams and spatial patterning, Chicago became known as a pioneering Minimalist and Feminist artist.

Donald Judd (1928-1994) strongly rejected his association with Minimalism, yet is known as one of its founding fathers. He began fabricating works in the 1980s that could not be classified as painting or sculpture, like his vertically suspended stacks of Untitled (1980). Using two different materials, aluminum and Plexiglass, this work offers viewers two conflicting experiences - opaque intrusive forms from the side, and obscure depths of space from the front.

Minimalist Art in Interior Design

In interior design, Minimalist pieces seamlessly integrate into the space, enhancing its ambiance because of its versatility and simplicity. With clean lines and restrained color palettes, Minimalist artworks complement modern interiors by fostering a sense of calm and order. They serve as focal points that anchor a room, allowing other design elements to breathe, and enhancing the space with their understated elegance.

By placing a few carefully chosen pieces, designers can amplify the artwork's impact while enhancing the space's functionality. This approach creates a balanced, serene environment that blends art and design into a cohesive, modern aesthetic.

With BASE Residences in Gemmill Lane, Singapore, The Artling sourced for artworks that reflected classic comforts and modern charm. The benefit of this genre of art like the works in this project is its simplicity and versatility, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the interiors. The focus on clean lines, basic forms, and limited palettes makes it adaptable, enhancing the aesthetic of any space without overwhelming it.

The artworks' ability to transcend trends ensures that Minimalist art remains relevant and harmonious, whether paired with sleek contemporary furnishings or classic, ornate decor, making it a lasting choice for diverse interiors. Be sure to check out the Minimalist artworks available on The Artling’s extensive collection that not only reflect the essence of the Minimalist art movement, but pieces that will elevate your space with timeless elegance. Here are some artists' works to consider.

Incorporating Minimalist art and objects into your interior design projects will create a sense of calm, enhance spatial balance, and add timeless elegance to your spaces. We invite you to browse The Artling's wide selection of artworks and design objects to elevate your projects with simplicity and sophistication. Additionally, designers can join The Artling's Trade Program to enjoy exclusive discounts, access specialized tools, and receive personalized consultancy services to make the most of our offerings.