Minimalism: The Rise of Less

Minimalism colloquially refers to anything that is spare or stripped to its essentials. It is simplicity in its purest form. The simplest elements are used to bring out the intensity of the subject. These days, minimalism is everywhere. From Apple ads to movie posters, from product designs to food.

Minimalism has been often associated with art styles, especially abstract and modern art, but minimalism is also a way of life. Not a life filled with restrictions such as living with less than 'x' number of things, or not having a job, home or money. Minimalism as a lifestyle is one of freedom. Freedom from the world and the life trapped within the consumer culture. It is not just a way to please the eyes, but also an imperative to appreciate the quintessence of life. In your life, you can find minimalism in art styles, music, movies, architecture, food; in almost everything to be seen, heard or felt.

The most apparent minimalism is the advertising revolution where  companies are trying harder and harder to de-clutter their campaigns and introduce their products with fluidity and in simple terms. Minimalism is also directly linked with De stijli or Neoplasticism.

"New plastic idea will ignore the particulars of appearance, that is to say, natural form and colour. On the contrary, it should find its expression in the abstraction of form and colour, that is to say, in the straight line and the clearly defined primary colour"

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Minimalism is the practical symphony of geometry. The geometrical organization in life is as soothing as it is strong. It is balanced and sometimes supplemented by symmetry. We are more attracted to pieces of design that blend in together with harmony. The rise of
minimalism may be a direct result of the chaotic era. We were,
and are still bombarded with information. 90s websites and newspaper ads are perfect examples. They are fine examples of the chaos in our lives and ways of aesthetics.



We want to de-clutter our lives, which might explain why the Google homepage looks so analgesic to the eyes instead of say, the Yahoo! homepage. There is no arguing this, minimalism is efficient. It is a better way of doing things. There's a movement going on, one that began since the beginning of time. It is a concept that has been self evidently practical since centuries, but
only now being realized.

Some ways of incorporating the minimalist design in your life:
  Flaticons theme for iOS
  Zenpen writer
  Music finder 
  Dictionary

Categories: abstract