Minimalism vs Suprematism

ミニマリズム / シュプレマティスム

Minimalism comes from Functionalism and Suprematism from Geometric Abstraction. Both are read here as style. They are reached for with some of the same intent, which is where they get confused.

Minimalism

Minimalism — Agnes Martin 作品, SFMOMA 展示 — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0Minimalism — Agnes Martin 作品群, SFMOMA 展示 — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0Minimalism — Dan Flavin《Untitled (to Don Judd, Colorist) 1–5》1987, Tate Modern — Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Removes elements to maximize the meaning and tension of what remains.

Suprematism

Suprematism — Kazimir Malevich, Suprematist Composition, 1916 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domainSuprematism — リシツキー『赤い楔で白を撃て』1919 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domainSuprematism — マレーヴィチ『黒の正方形』1915 — Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Leaves depiction behind, raising felt tension from a few geometric forms and empty space.

MinimalismSuprematism
Era1960s–1915–1920s
FamilyFunctionalismGeometric Abstraction
KindStyleStyle
CuesVast white space / Few elements / Quiet color / Precise spacingFloating rectangles / White space / Diagonal gravity / Restricted color
Best used forFocusing attention on a single value · Letting quality speak quietlyPresenting a concept as sensation, not explanation · Unstable motion inside emptiness
TypeA light sans-serif or a well-cut serifKeep type small and neutral, apart from the forms' motion
CompositionOne message, one focal point, wide marginsThree to seven forms on a diagonal axis, never touching
MaterialNearly achromatic; texture in exactly one placeWhite, black and red at the core; restrict the palette
CautionMissing information is not minimal. Decide priorities before you cut.Don't stop at scattering shapes. Feel the gravity and spacing continuing beyond the frame.

Put these two together

Functionalism ／ Geometric Abstraction

IndexStyle