1960-70년대 서부 미니멀리즘 회화 작업의 지역성 : ‘라이트 앤 스페이스 (Light & Space)’ 작가들을 중심으로

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to trace West Coast minimalists’ works of art through the perspective of their locality. West Coast minimalism is an art movement formed independently by ‘Light & Space’ artists from the Los Angeles area. This art movement shares similar characteristics with New York minimalism, especially extrinsic aspects, though Los Angeles artists were able to develop their unique artistic style based on locality of Los Angeles. This thesis discusses West Coast minimalism’s locality by focusing on their paintings. Although Los Angeles artists had been imitating Abstract Expressionism from New York in the mid-20th century, they initiated West Coast minimalism through non-traditional works such as shaped canvas and hard edge. Later, West Coast minimalism’s concern for painting converged with Pop Art, then created Finish Fetish. Finish Fetish was Los Angeles Pop art with a locality based on Los Angeles car culture. Furthermore, West Coast minimalism’s constant interest in painting resulted in the return of painting from objects and installations by Los Angeles artists in the 1970s.