Minimalism emerged and developed as a reaction against the emotiveness of abstract expressionism. Although most of the artists involved did not regard themselves as part of a group, there are certain key factors which define minimalist work: this work discusses such characteristics.
Begins by considering responses by French artists to World War I, showing how Purism, Dada and early Surrealism are related to the ethos of post-war reconstruction. The book then discusses the language of construction in France, Germany and the USSR and addresses the debate over realism in art.
Chromophobia - a fear of corruption or contamination through colour - has been a cultural phenomenon since ancient Greek times; this book is concerned with its modern and contemporary manifestations, as well as with resistance to it in art.