In the visual arts, minimalism emerged as a reaction to the Abstract Expressionist movement, which had dominated the art world in the 1940s and 1950s. Minimalist artists such as Frank Stella, Carl Andre, and Donald Judd rejected the emotional expression and painterly gestures of Abstract Expressionism and instead focused on creating works that were simple, geometric, and often repetitive.
In music, minimalism similarly emerged as a reaction to the complex, atonal music that had been popular in the early 20th century. Minimalist composers such as Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley rejected the use of complex harmonies, melodies, and rhythms and instead focused on creating works that were based on simple patterns, repetition, and gradual change.
Both minimalist art and minimalist music were influenced by the broader cultural and intellectual climate of the mid-20th century, which was characterized by a growing interest in Eastern philosophy, systems theory, and the exploration of basic structures. Minimalism became a significant force in the art and music worlds, influencing not only visual art and music but also architecture, design, and other creative fields.