Which art movement is characterized by extreme abstraction and geometric shapes?

The art movement characterized by extreme abstraction and geometric shapes is Minimalism. This movement emerged in the late 1950s and is known for its focus on simplicity, utilizing basic forms and a limited color palette. Minimalist artists sought to reduce art to its essential elements, stripping away personal expression and emotional content to create works that emphasize the materiality of the medium itself.

The use of geometric shapes is fundamental to Minimalism, as artists often employed them to explore the relationship between the artwork and the viewer, focusing on how the viewer interacts with the piece in space. The overall effect of Minimalism is a sense of clarity and order, often evoking a contemplative response from the observer.

In contrast, Expressionism is characterized by emotional intensity and a focus on subjective experience rather than geometric form. Realism centers on accurately depicting life and nature, often with attention to detail and representational accuracy, far from the abstraction seen in Minimalism. Surrealism emphasizes dream-like scenes and illogical imagery, capturing the unconscious mind rather than the geometries and simplicity championed by Minimalist artists. This distinct separation of ideas illustrates why Minimalism is the correct answer when discussing extreme abstraction and geometric shapes.