5 Black Rectangles on White 1973

"5 Black Rectangles on White" (1973) is a minimalist artwork by German artist Gerhard von Graevenitz (1934-1983). It consists of five black rectangles arranged vertically on a white background, exploring the fundamental elements of form and composition in a simple and direct manner. This piece embodies the core tenets of minimalism, where the artist seeks to reduce visual elements to their most essential forms, challenging traditional notions of artistic representation and encouraging contemplation of the void and the power of abstract shapes.