Minimalism

A word seemingly so obvious can be so evasive. What in the world is Minimalism really? After 5 weeks of discussions, experimentations, pulling out the hair and then thinking...oh, whatever, let's just paint a canvas black and call it Minimalism...and then back to, oh, let's give this thing a try. In the end, I think we all found a way to interpret the theme for our most recent project.

In the same breathe, I think we all may still have doubts as to what exactly is Minimalism. Of course, there are the basics. It is the stripping down to the essence; appreciating the material for its innate beauty. It is a reactionary movement to Abstract Art in which Minimalism took away the artist touch, the artist brush stroke, for that matter, any evidence of the artist.

And so, my Minimalist project was a photograph of a door. A captivating, serene, intriguing photograph highlighting geometric lines, monochromatic scheme, interesting composition of...yep.. a door. With the camera lens, I captured the beauty of an everyday object. The door to my bedroom, no less.



At last, something without concept. An object accepted for what it is.

Or so I thought.

The question that continues to linger is the idea that concept is absent in Minimalism. Or is it? One of the tutors strongly believes that there is meaning in every thing, even within the realm of Minimalism. Nothing can exist without meaning. An object is yes, an object, but it is not just an object. It still carries association. It communicates something, and it could even be loaded with (ahem, dare I say....) meaning. And the tutor believes, as far as I can understand, is that meaning, itself, needs to be carefully acknowledged and used within the realm of Minimalism.

And so the response to my initial ,very minimally worded, statement about my bedroom door was greatly questioned.

The response I got was, ..., my Dear, I don't agree with your statement.

In a nutshell, she said, despite the simplicity of the image, there is much food for thought and feelings.

And so the thinking began....

and yes, admittedly, there is a slue of meaning behind the image. A closed door in it of itself, carries so many references. And in case it is not evident in the photograph, the door is reflected in a mirror. -Ah, you say, that´s why something was a bit off about the photograph- And so, what does it mean to reflect a closed door? And why is the reflection so carefully orchestrated? Why is the image so appealing within its simplicity? And is it really that simple?

oh, so much to ponder....

minimalism....