Looking at a famous photo. Excerpt from the book "In Search of Minimalism"

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Alpina Publisher has released a book by art historian Kyle Chayka entitled "In Search of Minimalism: The Pursuit of Less in Painting, Architecture, and Music." We present an excerpt from the chapter dedicated to Steve Jobs, which examines the influence of minimalism on his philosophy and approach to design. This book offers an in-depth analysis of how the minimalist approach manifests itself in various fields of art and how it shapes our perception of the modern world.

A famous photograph taken in 1982 depicts Steve Jobs sitting on the floor of his living room. This image will become an important symbol of the last quarter of the 20th century for future historians. At the time, Jobs was around 30 years old, and Apple's annual revenue had just reached the billion-dollar mark. He had just purchased a spacious house in Los Gatos, California, not far from Apple's headquarters and close to his parents' home. Despite the move, the interior remained completely empty. In a photograph taken by Diane Walker, Jobs is depicted in his signature "uniform"—a dark sweater and jeans. He is seated on a small square rug, legs crossed, holding a mug. A floor lamp can be seen in the background, illuminating part of the room, but the dim light only emphasizes the emptiness of the space: the bare floor is devoid of anything but Jobs. Recalling this time, he said: "It was very typical of that period. All I needed then was a cup of tea, a lamp, and a tape recorder. And I had that." This photograph not only showcases Jobs's personal style but also symbolizes the philosophy of minimalism that formed the foundation of his life and work at Apple. Steve Jobs is considered one of the most prominent proponents of practical minimalism. His clothing style, particularly his black turtleneck, inspired numerous bloggers who discussed the philosophy of minimalism in fashion. Some even claimed that such an outfit could contribute to the development of entrepreneurial skills. Jobs is known for his ascetic lifestyle, which he adhered to even before achieving success. In the 1970s, he followed a strict diet and traveled barefoot through India, and after returning to California, he practiced Zen meditation. In this 1982 photograph, he exudes quiet confidence and self-satisfaction, demonstrating that he does not need to flaunt his wealth and status, as most successful people do. By then, artists and architects already understood the value of simplicity, but it was Jobs, as an engineer and businessman, who made this style accessible to the general public.

The image of simplicity created in the photograph is deceptive. The house purchased by Steve Jobs turned out to be too large for the young bachelor, and he lacked the necessary items to fill the impressive space. Wired magazine later discovered that the stereo system visible in the photo behind Jobs alone cost approximately $8,200. Furthermore, the floor lamp to his right was made by the renowned master Louis Tiffany. This item is not just a utilitarian object, but a genuine antique and an expensive work of art, emphasizing the status of its owner.

In his 1896 essay "Artist's View of a Tall Office Building," American architect Louis Sullivan first introduced his famous principle: "Form always follows function." This principle became fundamental for architecture and design throughout the next century. Sullivan argued that the appearance of a building or object should reflect its functionality and design features. It's important to note that Sullivan's effective functionalism is often perceived as minimalist design, but there's a significant difference between the two concepts. A prime example is Steve Jobs's home and his innovative iPhone. The empty space in the living room doesn't serve its intended purpose. Jobs didn't adhere to the idea of ​​"form follows function," but rather was inspired by the Soho motto: "Less, but better." He believed in acquiring only the best things whenever possible. In some cases, it's wiser to do without furniture than to choose a piece that doesn't meet high standards. However, maintaining such a commitment to taste and quality is not easy, and it is unlikely that the Jobs family was happy with the lack of comfortable furniture.

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Styles: A Guide to the Eras

Studying Styles in Art Art and design allows you to delve into various historical eras and cultural traditions. Each style reflects the unique characteristics of the time in which it emerged, as well as the social, political, and economic conditions of that era. This style guide helps you understand how artistic movements evolved and how they influenced society. From the classical art of Ancient Greece and Rome to the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, each style has its own distinctive features. The Age of Enlightenment brought new ideas that were reflected in Neoclassicism and Romanticism. The 19th century brought Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, reflecting changes in the perception of the world and man. Modern styles such as Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Minimalism continue to evolve, incorporating elements of previous eras and adapting to new cultural contexts. Studying these styles not only helps you better understand art history but also inspires you to create new works that can reflect your contemporary world.

Understanding different styles allows us not only to appreciate their aesthetic value but also to recognize their influence on the formation of cultural identity. Whether it's painting, architecture, or fashion, each style leaves its mark on history, enriching our perception of the world.

If the pursuit of simplicity is taken to its logical conclusion, the idea of ​​functionality can be completely destroyed. The design of Apple's new headquarters was developed by Steve Jobs in collaboration with architect Norman Foster. The building is shaped like a giant ring, and many of the interior partitions are made of glass, creating a sense of lightness and immateriality in the space. However, Apple employees often collided with the glass partitions, resulting in injuries, until they began using post-it notes as warnings. In 1992, designer Jony Ive joined the Apple team, and the company began releasing increasingly minimalist products. The Macintosh 128K was a simple white box with a nine-inch screen and vents reminiscent of gills. Although this design was not elegant, it clearly communicated the device's functional purpose; form followed function. Sullivan would have appreciated this approach. In 1998, Ive's iMac acquired a rounded shape, making it more streamlined. Small windows of colored plastic were added below the screen, making the computer look more like a living organism than a machine. By 2002, the iMac had evolved into a thin, flat screen on a stand connected to a rounded, hump-like base. By 2010, the screen had become even flatter, and the base had disappeared, leaving only two intersecting planes: a rectangular stand and a vertical screen. This evolutionary design process reflects Apple's philosophy of combining aesthetics and functionality.

The first iPod was a bulky device controlled by a rotating wheel. It's fascinating to watch its evolution into the iPhone, with each new version becoming thinner, lighter, and sleeker, featuring a minimalist design. It seems our devices are gradually evolving into ultra-thin screens, and soon they may be controlled with just our thoughts, as touch can feel outdated and too analog. This transformation of technology highlights the desire for perfection and simplification of interaction with gadgets, which can change the way we perceive and use modern devices.

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iPhone: Design Evolution from 2007 to 2024

Since its first release in 2007, iPhone has become not only a revolutionary device but also a symbol of innovative design. Each new model line brought changes that influenced the entire smartphone market. In 2007, Apple introduced the first iPhone with a unique interface and a touch screen, which was a real sensation.

Over time, the iPhone design continued to evolve. Models released in subsequent years featured improved performance, quality of materials, and visual elements. The release of the iPhone 4 in 2010, with its glass body and Retina display, was a new milestone in smartphone design.

In 2017, the iPhone X made significant changes to the design, introducing a bezel-less screen and Face ID. These innovations not only updated the appearance of the device but also changed the approach to using smartphones. With each new generation of iPhone, Apple continued to improve technology, improving functionality and aesthetics.

At this point in 2024, the latest iPhone models demonstrate a harmonious blend of modern design and high technology. These devices not only feature improved cameras and performance, but also stylish solutions that reflect the latest design trends. The evolution of the iPhone is a shining example of how innovation can change the approach to mobile devices and their design.

Can we speak of a new simplicity in design? German industrial designer Dieter Rams, who has had a significant influence on Apple's style, stated: "Good design is the minimum of design." In this context, Apple strives to create devices with a minimum of distinctive features. However, this idea is only an illusion. To achieve this minimalism, the company has to develop its own flat batteries and abandon many ports, including headphone jacks. The iPhone operates thanks to a complex infrastructure based on satellites and undersea cables, which are not at all characterized by simple forms. A minimalist approach to design can make us forget the complex technologies behind devices, creating the illusion that the internet exists solely thanks to carefully crafted glass and metal elements.

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