ART REVIEW: A Minimal Future? Art As Object 1958-1968

Currently running through August 2nd at MOCA at California Plaza this retrospective include an excellent range of work, from painting to sculpture and mixed media, of over 40 American artists from the period. According to the museum's official line this exhibition is concerned with, "One of the most significant art movements of the 20th century, minimal art is presented as a constellation of dialectical practices about the structure, form, material, production, and function of the artwork and its relationship to space and to the spectator." For me the most exhilarating thing about this artwork is that very same "dialectical" experience of having the simplest of forms trigger the expansion of a greater concept and to feel it's detail being illustrated within me rather than, as is expressly the point, upon 'the canvas'. Where these works tend to disappoint is in those pieces that appear to require no special skill to manufacture. In most cases these often have the least staying power as far as I am concerned. Like anything there is a fine line of what works best. Much of the sculptures and drawings and paintings are incredibly exciting and there is plenty enough for a second visit in my opinion.