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...

"Newton No:3," created by Leigh Bagley in 2020, is a vibrant and dynamic artwork that showcases the artist's unique approach to geometric abstraction and colour theory. Bagley, known for his bold use of colour and geometric shapes, employs these elements to create visually striking compositions that captivate the viewer's attention. In "Newton No:3," Bagley explores the interplay between form and colour, using precise lines and shapes to create a sense of movement and rhythm within the composition. The artwork is characterised by its intricate geometric patterns and vibrant colour palette, which range from bold primary hues to subtle pastel tones. These colours and shapes interact with each other, creating visual tension and harmony simultaneously. The title of the artwork, "Newton No:3," may suggest a reference to Sir Isaac Newton, the renowned physicist whose laws of motion and theories of light greatly influenced the understanding of space and time. Bagley's use of geometry and colour may evoke the idea of scientific principles at play, further enhancing the conceptual depth of the artwork. Highlighting the intricate process involved in crafting a single piece of art, this exclusive digital print showcases the myriad layers that compose the artwork. These layers create a sense...

"Ecriture No. 1 - 06" (2006) is a significant work by the renowned Korean artist Park Seo-Bo, who is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the Dansaekhwa (Korean monochrome painting) movement. This artwork belongs to Park's iconic "Ecriture" series, which he began in the late 1960s and has continued to explore throughout his career. In "Ecriture No. 1 - 06", Park employs his signature technique of repetitive mark-making to create a textured and contemplative surface. The term "Ecriture" translates to "writing" or "script" in French, reflecting Park's interest in the act of mark-making as a form of visual language. The painting features delicate layers of Korean hanji paper, meticulously applied with gentle strokes of paint, often in muted tones of gray, white, or beige. What distinguishes Park's "Ecriture" series is its emphasis on process, materiality, and meditative practice. Park's methodical approach involves building up layers of paper and paint over time, allowing each mark to accumulate and interact with the surface beneath it. The resulting compositions exude a sense of depth, rhythm, and contemplation, inviting viewers to engage with the work on both a physical and spiritual level. "Ecriture No. 1 - 06" exemplifies Park Seo-Bo's mastery of minimalism and...

Oriental Minimalism from the West : Agnes Martin – With my Back to the World (1997) Agnes Martin – 'Beauty is in Your Mind' "With My Back to the World" is a significant artwork created by Agnes Martin, a renowned American abstract painter known for her serene and minimalist compositions. Completed in 1997, this painting is one of Martin's later works, reflecting her mature style and profound exploration of simplicity and spirituality. The artwork features Martin's characteristic grid-like composition, consisting of horizontal and vertical lines meticulously drawn in subtle shades of pale blue, gray, and white. The lines are precisely executed with delicate graphite or pencil strokes, creating a sense of harmony and tranquility on the canvas. The title, "With My Back to the World," suggests a sense of introspection and detachment from external distractions. Martin's work often conveys a meditative quality, inviting viewers to contemplate the subtleties of line, colour, and form. In this piece, the orderly arrangement of lines evokes a sense of order and clarity, offering a visual representation of inner peace and serenity. Martin's minimalist approach to art is deeply rooted in her interest in Eastern philosophy, particularly Taoism and Zen Buddhism. She believed in the...