minimalism

/ˌmɪnəməlˈɪzəm/

Minimalism is a style of art that's extremely simple and pared-down. In the late 1950s, the first works of art described as examples of minimalism included abstract paintings of geometric shapes.

In visual art, minimalism takes the form of simplified figures, shapes, and colors, while musical minimalism focuses on repetition of notes and phrases. In addition to the art movement, the word has grown to describe a style of decorating and living that avoids decoration and clutter. The Latin root of minimalism is minimus, "smallest or least."

Definitions of minimalism

1. noun

   an art movement in sculpture and painting that began in the 1950s and emphasized extreme simplification of form and color
   synonyms: minimal art, reductivism

   type of:

   art movement, artistic movement

   a group of artists who agree on general principles