Minimalism - Optics

MINIMALISM

The Art of White Space

Minimalism is simple. Although its designs and visuals are sometimes extremely basic, many people look at minimalism as a very complex and broad art form. It plays a part in modern graphics and patterns. From photography to storytelling, here’s a short dive into the minimalistic artform

WHAT IS IT?

Minimalism is an art form that began rising in popularity around the 1950s, based on geometric shapes and architecture. The art form focused around using white space (or blank space) to ensure the viewer doesn’t stress while looking at the artwork or sculpture. While the ideas of minimalism can be slightly confusing, it can be boiled down into just three words: Less is More.

WHITE SPACE

That term has come up a few times while describing minimalism, so what is white space? Basic minimalism can be divided into 2 parts: white space and an area of detail. White space, in contrast to detail, is an area of low detail or space. to add to it, not all ”white space” is white. The term is just a generalization for a blank area, whether it has colour or not. White space gives the minimalistic art style the upside of allowing your brain a break from clutter.

DETAIL

While white space is a very important part of minimalism, detail also plays a hand in the final product. The right contrast of white space and detail can provide focus onto something while ensuring the area around the object isn't too cluttered. There are many different levels of detail, too. Some art uses simple forms, while others more complex figures for a greater sense of contrast and focus. It's not too uncommon to see forms built of white space for a simple or geometric look.

DESIGN

The design of minimalistic graphics usually follows the first described way of making minimalistic visuals. Using a decent amount of white space, text and designs are spaced around. It isn't entirely seen above, but it is common to see designs with only whats needed. For example, a promotion for a product looking to create a minimalist look may only have the product, the name, and the necessary information. Others might use simple details also stated before.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Minimalist photography has been around for many decades, gaining traction in the late 1900s with models and shots of simplistic buildings and architecture from the ground level. Many common themes are used in this style of photography like visuals of walls, simple sculptures, landscapes, and people. Minimalist photography is extremely broad but mainly focuses on the use of detail surrounded by white space

THE MODERN LOOK

Minimalism is so engraved into the modern age that it is practically impossible to not see it at least once each day. Whether it is an advertisement or even just the front of a modern fridge, it's extremely common to see anything minimalistic. Minimalism is so engraved in modernism, it seems to be a common idea that the future holds a haven for minimalistic design and architecture.

AN EXPERIENCE

Minimalism was such a weird art style to me. Upon learning about it, I felt it was a lazy art style for those who didn't feel like putting in the effort to make a ‘full’ piece of art. Simply said, I was very wrong. When I first started trying to make it, I found it very hard to find inspiration or had trouble feeling that my pieces were busy. My opinion of minimalism has changed drastically over the years from negative to positive by simply trying it.