White Squares in Art
Art, in its many forms, has the power to evoke a myriad of emotions and reactions. One of the most intriguing and contentious styles of artwork is the white square or white painting. Often met with confusion and scepticism, these seemingly simple pieces have been described as "something I would put down on my floor", "a waste of money", or even "junk". Yet, these minimalist masterpieces have been sold for millions of dollars. So, what is it about these white squares that captivate the art world?
White on Gold by Tony Wild
The Birth of White Squares in Art
The white square's journey into the limelight began with artists like Kazimir Malevich and Robert Ryman. Malevich's "White on White," created in 1918, was a significant departure from representational art, focusing instead on primary geometric forms. This exploration into pure form, unanchored by the constraints of objective reality, made "White on White" a thought-provoking artwork that challenged traditional painting notions of colour and form.
Similarly, an American artist, Robert Ryman, became known for his minimalist and monochromatic white-on-white paintings, often featuring white squares. Ryman emphasized the importance of white in making things visible and the square as an equal-sided space that he could work with naturally. His famous "White Painting" (1951) was described as a clock, reflecting the number of people in the room, the time, and the weather outside if one were sensitive enough to read it. His work, "Bridge" (1980), sold for a staggering USD$20.6 million at Christie's in May 2015.
“The square is not a subconscious form. It is the creation of intuitive reason. The face of the new art. The square is a living, regal infant. The first step of pure creation in art.”
The Shift from Abstract Expressionism to Minimalism
The emergence of white paintings marked a significant shift in the art world. It was a breakaway from abstract expressionism, a form of art characterized by gestural brush strokes or mark-making and the impression of spontaneity. Artists like Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning were pioneers of this movement in the 1940s and 1950s.
In contrast, the white painting represented calmness and simplicity. It was a move towards minimalism, an art form that celebrates the nothingness of the art, the geometric shapes, or the considered placement of colour tones. The white painting and all those before and after it are simply continuations of the minimalist movement that emerged in the post-war years.
The Appeal of White Squares
The appeal of white squares in art lies in their simplicity and the challenge they pose to traditional art norms. They invite viewers to engage with the artwork on a deeper level, to see beyond the surface, and to find meaning in the absence of colour and form. This minimalist approach to art resonates with those who appreciate refined interiors and contemporary design.
In conclusion, the popularity of white squares in art is a testament to the power of minimalism and the ability of artists to challenge traditional norms. These seemingly simple pieces invite us to see beyond the surface and find beauty in simplicity. No matter your interest, the white square offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on art.