"Tastes and colors are not discussed," says the Latin adage, advocating total subjectivity in aesthetics. And yet it is obvious that our time is constantly crossed by developments in the field of fashion, design or architecture that seem to dictate to everyone and all the ultimate rules of good taste. The choice of materials, colors, exhibition, becomes an art that only the finest minds can boast of possessing. At least this is what was established before the arrival of Instagram, the most influential social network in this field. We follow with interest bloggers, influencers and other personalities made famous by the popular and accessible aspect of this global platform of Instragram.
Minimalism: a question of mentality
Minimalism, before being a philosophy of life, is above all an artistic movement: we can refer to the Instagram account "The minimalists" (https://www.theminimalists.com/) in the field of photography. In the field of architecture and design we can mention "Architecture and design studio in Copenhagen" (http://normcph.com/) which dangle before our eyes spaces with just and refined lines. We have even, for the most part, adopted the Apple logic, the most refined in terms of technological design.
This trend, characteristic of the modern spirit of the 21st century, is imposing itself in everyday life if we believe the famous Instagram clichés. Minimalism is going to the essentials by taking the simplest and most refined path. Built in reaction to the consumer madness of the industrial world, this mentality expresses a deep need for truth, expressed in binary colors and natural materials: white, black, wood or rough stone are at the rendezvous. There is a need for simplicity based on the philosophy of ying and yang, to which is added this need for harmony with nature.
The typical portrait of the minimalist is a reflection of his philosophy: deceptively simple. He (she) is Swedish, Finnish, blond and slender, he is vegan, he practices yoga, never fails to drink tea served in a white cup, sitting on his white and black carpet, all embellished with a pretty Japanese plant whose name no one really knows. However, we cannot deny the beauty of some photos and the benefits of such an aesthetic of life. For example, the book recently released by an influential Instagrammer: Jenny Mustard (accompanied by her husband David), author of Simple Matters, a work in which we are dictated the commandments of minimalism: how to feel good about yourself and your mind while pursuing your dreams. A mother would be delighted to know the secret…
Maximalism: the charm of the extreme
But too much minimalism kills minimalism. It is now a habit of our time: we need change, something new, something impactful. A nascent trend, in full swing, maximalism highlights the euphoria of colors and patterns, always more varied, centered around art and fashion. Maximalism is therefore part of the logic of the evolution of tastes, specific to our society always in search of new trends and extremes. One design gallery stands out among many: thefutureperfect (https://www.thefutureperfect.com/), which offers a very modern and extravagant vision of everyday life. For now, maximalism remains the monopoly of art or design galleries and major fashion houses such as Gucci, with Alessandro Michele, and is slow to spread on the popular Instagram platform.
In the end, we can not really be surprised: because if minimalism is addressed to a part of the population that is not reached by the low concerns of everyday life, maximalism, for its part, seems reserved for those who have the means to afford it.
