Minimalism: Tracing Its Roots

Edward Strickland's Minimalism: Origins is a seminal work that offers an in-depth exploration of the minimalist movement across various artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, and sculpture. Published in 1993, this comprehensive study examines the emergence and development of minimalism in post-war American culture, redefining it as a movement characterized by radically reductive stylistic innovations.

Visual Arts

In the realm of visual arts, Strickland analyzes how artists such as Ad Reinhardt and Ellsworth Kelly reconceived earlier geometrical abstraction through monochromatic works. He discusses Robert Rauschenberg's creation of Dadaist anti-art in pure white panels, highlighting the movement's departure from traditional forms and its emphasis on simplicity and purity. The analysis extends to the minimalist sculpture of Donald Judd and Robert Morris, examining their use of industrial materials and geometric forms to challenge conventional aesthetics.

Music

Strickland delves into minimalist music, beginning with La Monte Young's long-tone compositions of the 1950s and his drone works with the Theatre of Eternal Music. He examines the influence of non-Western music on Terry Riley's repetitive structures, Steve Reich's development of phasing techniques, and Philip Glass's use of unison modules. The discussion underscores the movement's emphasis on repetition, gradual change, and a focus on the fundamental elements of sound.

Cross-Disciplinary Influence

The book also addresses minimalist tendencies in dance, film, and literature, illustrating the movement's pervasive impact across artistic fields. Strickland discusses how minimalist principles were incorporated into mass culture, influencing fashion and advertising, thereby demonstrating the movement's broader cultural significance.

Critical Reception

Minimalism: Origins has been recognized as a landmark work, with K. Robert Schwarz of the Institute for Studies in American Music stating that "its importance cannot be overestimated." The book is considered mandatory reading for those seeking to understand the history and nature of minimalism, as noted by i/e NINE. Strickland's interdisciplinary approach provides a nuanced perspective on how minimalism emerged as a response to the complexities of modernism, advocating for a return to simplicity and fundamental forms across various artistic domains.

In summary, Edward Strickland's Minimalism: Origins offers a thorough and insightful examination of the minimalist movement, tracing its development and influence across multiple art forms. The book serves as an essential resource for understanding the origins and evolution of minimalism in post-war American culture.