M I N I M A L I S M
LOREN MILLS
c o n t e n t s mies van der rohe quote 2 line 3-4 lin yutang quote 5-6 shape 7-8 albert einstein quote 9-10 space 11-12 hans hofmann quote 13 portraits 15-20 still life 21-23 LANDSCAPE 23-24
" LESS IS MORE"
- Mies Van Der Rohe
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l i n e 3.
Minimalism is becoming an increasing trend in the graphic, photographic, interior and fashion world. Minimalist design in a broader context was derived in the early 19th century, and mainly implemented in architecture and design. Although minimalism has been executed in the past and isn’t a new style, individuals are becoming increasingly aware of how basic elements can be stripped down to achieve simplicity and therefore quality. In Radic’s article portraying if minimalism can be bad, it is emphasised how ‘big companies are implementing minimalist identities’ (Radic, 2015). Although she proposes that if everything will end up portraying minimalism, everything will look the same. Yet if ‘minimalism is the intentional promotion of the things we most value and the removal of everything that distracts us from it’ (Becker, 2011), depending on how something is
designed, photographed or implemented with a minimalist style, it will have its own uniqueness which drives an audience to engage with it. In graphic design, companies may reduce their brand identity which may be narrowed down to a simple font, or the removal of their known graphics. In this sense, they can look the same by sharing the use of one element and enhancing the simplicity of the design. Though this doesn’t necessarily mean that everything that is minimalist will look the same. Looking at minimalism in a broad sense, a minimal logo or layout design when compared to a minimal interior of a café or home are completely different contexts. What is intriguing about this style is the fact that using fewer elements makes the outcome more alluring and memorable.
4.
"Besides the noble a
done, there is the n
things undone. The wi
in the elimination o
5.
- Lin Yutang
art of getting things
noble art of leaving
isdom of life consists
of non-essentials"
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s h a p e 7.
The elements in which are presented in minimalist outcomes tend to be simple and effective on their own, without needing other elements to produce a result. Line and shape are often used in minimalist designs, photographs, layouts, interiors, architecture and industrial design. A line is a simple element that is joint by a dot which can be further applied by design to create an effective execution. In conjunction with line, shape can be formed from the joining of lines. Shape can be used to enhance interest and excitement. Ultimately shape is the area that stands out from a space. Without intending it, the use of a line or a shape within a space can create a simplistic and minimalist solution, exposing more elements by only using one.
Therefore a minimalist approach may seem simple to a viewer, though there is often more elements that have worked with one or a few to create the impression of there being more elements. In saying this, the connotation that ‘less is more’ implies that you don’t need to add more to get the same effect. If an execution is considered and planned, it can be as effective with fewer elements. In a broader context, if we think of living conditions, individuals tend to live with too much stuff and clutter their space. In an interview, Rosen questioned a minimalist whom speaks of minimalism in relation to living and surroundings. He states ‘Minimalism is a lifestyle that helps people question what things add value to their lives. By clearing the clutter from life’s path, we can all make room for the most important aspects
8.
"MAKE THINGS
POSSIBLE but
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- Albert Lin Yutang Einstein
AS SIMPLE AS
t no simpler "
10.
s p a c e 11.
of life: health, relationships, passion, growth, and contribution’ (Millburn, 2015). Individuals tend to view minimalism in one format or context such as photography or design and not understand the true meaning of it, instead being carried away by the particular product they are viewing and not being aware of less (in terms of elements) being more.
being trapped by stuff, taking care of all the things that were just excess” (Millburn, 2014). Therefore minimalism is an extensive and developing style and way of living and isn’t necessarily pinpointed to specifically graphics, photography and fashion. If minimalism is interpreted, less is less, though having less is often enough.
People tend to value minimalism differently. Photography and design can convey a particular feeling and mood when being viewed. Likewise using less elements to create an end product, whether it be a design, a photo, a building, a space or even a product, having less can bring the user/viewer more. Robertson’s article, when less is more- embracing minimalism also speaks about Millburn’s minimalist approach to living. He states that he doesn’t “have that same overwhelming feeling of
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"the ability to simplify means to eliminate the unecessarcy so that the necessary speak" - Hans Hofmann
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PROJECT 1 Portrait
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integrated photography techniques DDD30017
PROJECT 2 STILL LIFE
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integrated photography techniques DDD30017
PROJECT 3 landscape
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integrated photography techniques DDD30017