Minimalism

The minimalist art movement was popularized in the 1960s, and then particularly in the 1980s. This movement is concerned with abstract works containing minimal personal expression. Minimalism makes use of simple geometry and iconography, and clear colour palettes. As well as the use of industrial style and prefabricated materials. This seeks to remove personal expression from the art and design forms.

The central principle of minimalist design is the medium and materials the work is made from, as well as a realistic interpretation of the subject matter. For the viewer to have an immediate response to the use of colour, form and materials.

Paul Rand is an influential minimalist artist and designer. Rand designed advertising, editorial, corporate logos, packaging, posters and books. In his design he employed the standards of the minimalist style; using basic forms, simple colour palettes and plain mass-produced materials.

This book cover was designed by Paul Rand in 1955. It is an example of the simple minimalist design in its use of form and colour. The forms used are mostly varying sizes of similar shapes, the use of block colours in the shapes makes the cover eye catching and easy to interpret.

Rand designed this book cover in 1957. Again, this design uses only two bold colours with black grabbing the viewers attention. While the forms used in this deign are simple geometric shapes, the typography is quite detailed. The typeface used in this design looks hand written, contrasting against the sharp edges of the other shapes.

SOURCES:
MOMA, MINIMALISM, https://www.moma.org/collection/details.php?theme_id=10459
ART MOVEMENTS, MINIMALISM, http://www.artmovements.co.uk/minimalism.htm
UNDERSTANDING MINIMALISM, INTRODUCTION TO MINIMAL ART, http://understandingminimalism.com/introduction-to-minimal-art/

IMAGES:
http://www.paul-rand.com/foundation/books/