Postminimalism is an art movement that emerged in the 1970s as a response to Minimalism. It is characterized by a renewed focus on content, craftsmanship, and personal expression, all of which are distinct from the formalism of Minimalism. Postminimalism is often identified as a reaction against Minimalism, as it emphasizes the artist's personal hand and the art's content, rather than its form.
The term Postminimalism was first used by art critic Robert Pincus-Witten in 1973. He described the movement as "a return to the figure, the body, and the personal expression of the artist." The primary artists associated with Postminimalism include Eva Hesse, Bruce Nauman, Richard Serra, Robert Morris, and Robert Smithson, among many others. These artists shifted away from the rigid formalism of Minimalism and instead focused on personal expression and content.
Postminimalism is often associated with the use of organic materials, such as latex, fiberglass, and rope. These materials are often used to create sculptures, installations, and performances that explore the relationship between the body and the material world. Postminimalism also emphasizes craftsmanship and is often associated with the use of traditional craft techniques, such as weaving, embroidery, and quilting.
The influence of Postminimalism can be seen in many contemporary art forms, such as installation art, performance art, and video art. Postminimalism is also associated with the use of everyday objects in artwork, as well as with the use of found objects. This emphasis on the everyday and mundane is often seen as a rejection of the formalism of Minimalism.
Postminimalism also has a strong influence on the feminist art movement. Feminist artists often use the techniques and materials associated with Postminimalism to explore themes of gender, power, and identity. Feminist artists often focus on the body and its relationship to the material world, which is a direct response to the formalism of Minimalism.
Overall, Postminimalism is an important art movement that has had a lasting influence on the art world. It shifted the focus away from the formalism of Minimalism and towards a more personal expression and emphasis on content. Postminimalism is associated with the use of organic materials, craftsmanship, and everyday objects, as well as with themes of gender and identity. Its influence can still be seen in many contemporary art forms and its focus on the personal and the mundane has been a major influence on the feminist art movement.