Complex art or Minimalism art – What is your preference? Artwork that is straightforward, displaying a singular subject unadorned by distraction or a complex image that requires careful viewing over time to see all of the wonderful nuances?
Paired down to the essence of a strong subject, minimalism creates a bold expression of a singular idea. It makes the obvious subject the hero within the frame without competing elements. Portraits are a good example of a minimal approach and the portrait can be a living being or a static object such as in these example from the portfolio of fine art photographer Edward Fielding.
Minimalism Artwork
Complex Artwork
Complex artwork holds a lot of competing elements with in the frame. The trick is to use strong compositional elements to tie the seemingly chaotic scene together. Complex scenes are a challenge to control but when well done they invite the viewer to explore the scene yet not leave it. Strong compositional elements keep the viewers eyes within the scene, scanning interesting details but always returning to the main focal points for another look.
Complex artwork is great for spaces that invite one to look at the work carefully, like in a waiting room, bathroom or even on a puzzle where the details of the complex scene can be discovered and appreciated.
