Some old scribbles (here) from Leith Walk studio days, which have made me reflect, in an increasingly complex world, the allure of simplicity shines ever more brightly – especially within the arena of contemporary art. As we navigate the noise and clutter of our daily existence, art that champions simplicity and minimalism offers a soothing balm, an understated elegance that becomes a sanctuary.
Our present is one of information overload; a time when our senses are relentlessly bombarded with an influx of visuals, narratives, and data. Herein lies the beauty of simplicity in art – it is an oasis of calm in the cacophony, a silent song that speaks louder than most.
Art has perennially been a mirror to society, reflecting its changing values, evolving trends, and the zeitgeist of the times. Today’s hyper-digital, ultra-rapid pace has led to an intriguing pattern – a palpable shift towards minimalist, less cluttered expressions of creativity. The art world seems to be favoring cleaner lines, more streamlined aesthetics, monochromatic color palettes, and a reduced number of elements.
Simplicity in art is not synonymous with being basic or uninspiring; instead, it’s a conscious choice to highlight the essence of the artwork. Simple art is an invitation to contemplation. It paves the way for a more profound and intimate connection between the viewer and the artwork, urging us to pause, delve deeper, and discover the beauty in ‘less.’
Pioneers of this approach, like Agnes Martin, Robert Ryman, and Ellsworth Kelly, understood the power of simplicity in their minimalistic and hard-edge paintings. Their work taught us that less could indeed be more, and that by carefully removing unnecessary elements, the essential message of a piece can make a stronger impact.
In the modern ‘art’ world, Banksy has also demonstrated the compelling power of simplicity. Through his monochromatic stencils that blend satire, subversion, and simplicity, he has used a bare minimum of visual elements to communicate potent political and societal critiques. His ‘Balloon Girl,’ one of his most recognisable works, is an epitome of simplicity: a little girl, reaching for a heart-shaped balloon, both elements simple yet collectively delivering a powerful commentary on hope, love, and innocence.
The allure of simplicity transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. It’s a universal language that connects at an instinctual level, tying into our shared human experiences and emotions.
However, simplicity in art should not be mistaken for a lack of effort or skill. Rather, it’s about mastering the ability to convey an idea, a message, or an emotion with utmost efficiency. As the legendary designer Dieter Rams succinctly put it, “Good design is as little design as possible.”
In an age where excess often rules, it is usually the simplest things that resonate the most with us. Art is no different. A return to simplicity serves as a potent reminder to appreciate the essential, to understand the significance of every line, shape, and colour, and to acknowledge that, often, less is indeed more.
Shiel Yule 