Minimalism is an approach to the creation of cultural artefacts which emphasises the repetition of minimal elements to give holistic effects.

In music, the repetition and minimal variation of themes gives rise to a whole musical work. Rhythms emerge and combine with complementary minimal sounds. Hardly perceptible changes lead the listener into new auditory spaces.

In the visual medium, minimalism generates wholes from repeated elements such as dots, lines or circles. Static elements in combination can generate effects of depth and movements and the suggestion of recognisable shapes. Minimalist methods play with the perceptual mechanisms through which we project meaning onto the world. Recognition relies upon the processing of perceived visual elements and using chunks to construct a whole entity. Visual illusions can be generated with similar methods.

Minimalism in the visual medium can use tools such as ink on paper, or electronic representational means of programmed elements in motion or interactive points and shapes. It can combine minimalist approaches to visual and auditory objects. The outcomes of the tool-use depends on both the imagination of the creator and their skill with the tools. Integration of elements of nature can enhance the effect of minimalism.