To remove all suggestions of self expressionism, remove themes, metaphorical associations, symbolism, representation, reference, meaning, sentiment, emotion & social comment. That is the aim of the Minimal Artist during the 60s. Minimal Art is a school of abstract painting and sculpture where any kind of personal expression is kept to a minimum, in order to let the work speak for itself. Not the artist's expression, but the medium and materials of the work are its reality. A work of art should not refer to anything other than itself. “What you see is what you see” said Frank Stella.
Minimalism was a response to the then dominant Abstract Expressionism. The expressionist artist seeked to express their personal emotions through their art. The minimalists felt that Abstract Expressionism was too personal and pretentious. They wanted to rejected the idea that art should reflect the personal expression of its creator.
The minimalist artist wanted to give the viewer a purely visual response, and let him experience the pure qualities of color, form, space and materials. Minimalist sculptures encouraged the viewer to invest the space. Often in galleries the sculpture was presented on walls, in the corner or on the floor, they rejected the traditional pedestal.
Art Critics in the 60ties called the work of minimalist artist: empty, skinny, white, insensitive, on-interesting, useless, worthless, because of its, earlier mentioned- minimal degree of self expression. Minimal art would not be subtle by her lack of depth.
But Stella wanted to prevail the: 2.7, flatness but at the same time depth, volume and especially space. I admire Stella's Silverstone, not a 3D or 2D, but a 2.7 work, it is like I am wandering in a lexicon, a pleasant space. Because I may decide to just step out and then in again, steps, or I can meet lexicon characters to communicate with the different individual parts of the moving work.
