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Decolonial Minimalism in Art: Reclaiming Space, Silence, and Memory

IJWBAA [eej-wah] (I Just Wannabe an Artist) AKA Paul "Pao" Hafalla

2025 The Philippines

Minimalism in art has traditionally been associated with simplicity, reduction, and aesthetic purity, often rooted in Western artistic traditions (TheArtStory, 2024). However, decolonial minimalism, as articulated by IJWBAA, reframes minimalism as an act of resistance—compressing memory, history, and cultural identity rather than erasing them (IJWBAA, 2025). This paper explores decolonial minimalism as a response to Eurocentric art narratives, emphasizing its role in reclaiming ancestral presence, silence, and collective memory through restrained yet deeply layered artistic expressions. Additionally, Filipino scholars such as Patrick Flores, Alice Guillermo, Resil Mojares, Joaquín G. Bernal, and José Maceda provide local perspectives on minimalism, cultural survival, and indigenous artistic resistance.

See also https://wannabelabs.com/decolonial-minimalism