The understanding of art with a minimalist aesthetic has changed steadily over the last century. What began as a departure from traditional art forms at the beginning of the 20th century reached its peak in the 1960s with the Minimal Art movement. Since then, however, this art form has continued to evolve and is now being shaped by a new generation of artists who are profoundly reimagining and exploring these subtle aesthetics.
Looking ahead to 2025, I am very pleased to present the third edition of “Contemporary Minimalist Artists To Watch”. This year, I would like to share with you six notable artists, both emerging and established, whose art impresses with its unique perspective, aesthetic and philosophy. Their works invite us to sharpen our perception, immerse ourselves in the moment and appreciate the beauty of minimalist art.
Maria Yelletisch – Finding Peace in Repetition
Let’s start this issue with Spanish artist Maria Yelletisch (b. 1987). In her works, the artist explores the complexity of nature and the depth of memories and emotions. Her works are minimalist yet detailed: Her carefully constructed repetitive brushstrokes create a coherent pattern that, when viewed from a distance, comes together to form a harmonious overall picture. Last year I had the pleasure of talking to her about her work.
Carsten Beck – Timeless Geometric Compositions
Next, I would like to share the geometric compositions of Danish artist Carsten Beck with you. Beck (b. 1986) explores architectural structures and forms in his geometric paintings. He originally worked as a graphic designer and photographer, but in 2019 he began to implement his graphic sketches in oil on canvas and lithography.
They are characterized by a harmonious arrangement of rectangles and triangles and reflect a profound engagement with Concrete Art. Beck draws inspiration from architecture and long walks, during which he captures light, shadows and shapes photographically and then transforms them into aesthetic compositions. Explore more of his work here.
Sung Yeon-Hwa – Capturing The Essence Of Tranquility
Sung Yeon-Hwa (b. 1986) is an artist from South Korea who captures the essence of tranquility and meditative stillness in her abstract and minimalist works. Sung’s pieces are characterized by a harmonious balance between empty spaces and carefully placed lines.
Through her art, Sung Yeon-Hwa invites viewers to immerse themselves in a world of contemplative stillness, taking them on a journey to another time, far removed from the bustle of the modern, digitalized world. Read more about her and her process here.
Cindy Leong – Art As A Visual Meditation
Cindy Leong is an emerging artist from Aotearoa, New Zealand. Her abstract work is deeply rooted in Eastern philosophies, drawing inspiration from the repetitive and meditative practices of the Dansaekhwa movement. Leong’s focus lies on the concept of equanimity, approached as an ongoing process of mindfulness and awareness.
Her style is marked by a deliberate attention to materiality, which imbues her work with a grounding essence. Her compositions exude a harmonious calm, reflecting a serene balance that invites quiet contemplation. I had the pleasure of talking to her about her work last year. You can read the interview here.
Armando Chant – Monochrome Landscapes
Armando Chant (b. 1974) is a Sydney-based artist whose monochromatic works create emotional landscapes through the transformation of images and materials. His practice combines abstraction with figuration and is characterized by a minimalist aesthetic. Delicately embroidered lines turn his pieces into atmospheric, ambiguous landscapes born out of memories and emotions.
His works are created by processing old negatives of stereoscopic photographs, which are then transformed into embroideries by master embroiderers in Delhi. He subsequently applies layers of pigment glazes to create atmospheric depth. Chant’s art is defined by a play of texture, pattern, and light, conveying a sense of transience and timelessness. Read more about him here.
Alexander Jowett – Open Meditative Spaces
Alexander Jowett (b. 1971) is a Canadian artist whose work explores meditative open spaces through a minimalist aesthetic. His oeuvre is characterized by a striking restraint, achieving profound resonance through subtlety and simplicity. Drawing inspiration from Immanuel Kant’s reflections on perception and the philosophy of the line, Jowett explores themes of solitude and existentialism.
His compositions are defined by the horizontal line, serving as the central element in his works. Often incorporating both traditional and unconventional materials such as linen, rope, and denim, Jowett creates pieces that invite individual interpretation and experience. I had the pleasure of talking to Alexander about his work. You can read the interview here.
