Lee Ufan, a prominent figure in contemporary art, has played a crucial role in shaping the discourse of minimalism beyond its Western context. Born in 1936 in Korea and having spent much of his life in Japan, Lee's work embodies a unique synthesis of Eastern philosophy and minimalist aesthetics. His art, characterized by its quiet, meditative quality, invites viewers to contemplate the relationship between space, material, and perception. As a founding member of the Mono-ha movement, Lee Ufan has significantly influenced Korean and Japanese minimalism, offering a perspective that is deeply rooted in Zen Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.   Korean Minimalism: An Overview Korean minimalism, often referred to as "Dansaekhwa" (monochrome painting), emerged in the 1970s as a reaction against the turbulence of Korean society and a desire to find simplicity and tranquility amidst rapid modernization. Unlike the Western minimalism of artists like Donald Judd or Frank Stella, which focused on the object’s autonomy and the purity of form, Korean minimalism was more about the process, the materiality of the medium, and the artist's physical engagement with the canvas. Dansaekhwa artists, including Park Seo-Bo, Chung Sang-Hwa, and Lee Ufan, emphasized repetition, meditative practice, and the interaction between artist and material....

François Morellet (1926–2016) was a pivotal figure in the evolution of French minimalism and conceptual art, known for his rigorous yet playful exploration of geometric forms, light, and space. His art is marked by an elegant balance between precision and whimsy, combining mathematical structures with an element of chance and humor. Morellet’s works invite viewers to engage with the complex interplay of order and randomness, making him a significant contributor to the narrative of minimalism in France and beyond.   Who Was François Morellet? Born in Cholet, France, Morellet initially pursued a conventional career path, managing his family's toy factory, while practicing art on the side. He was largely self-taught, but his fascination with geometry, patterns, and the principles of abstraction quickly drew him into the avant-garde circles of post-war Europe. Morellet was a founding member of the Groupe de Recherche d’Art Visuel (GRAV), a collective of artists who sought to demystify art and make it more interactive and accessible. Morellet’s work spans a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and installation. He often employed geometric forms, grids, and mathematical systems to construct his pieces, while also incorporating light and movement to create dynamic, immersive environments. His use of neon...

 Daniel Buren, a seminal figure in contemporary art, has carved out a unique niche with his use of stripes, transforming the perception of spaces and challenging the very essence of art itself. Often associated with French Minimalism and Conceptual Art, Buren's work transcends conventional definitions, embracing a radical approach that intertwines art, architecture, and the public sphere.   Who is Daniel Buren? Born in 1938 in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Daniel Buren's career began in the 1960s, during a period of profound experimentation and innovation in art. He initially trained as a painter but soon moved away from traditional painting to explore the boundaries of what constitutes art. His work is characterized by the use of repeated vertical stripes, exactly 8.7 cm wide, which he refers to as his "visual tool." These stripes are not just a stylistic choice but a conceptual device that Buren uses to engage with the context in which his works are placed. Buren's stripes appear on canvases, walls, banners, buildings, and even as part of larger architectural environments. His work often challenges the boundaries between art and its surroundings, questioning where the art ends and the world begins. This approach aligns him with Minimalism’s reduction of...