Minimalism is an art style that started in the late 1950s. It focuses on simplicity and uses simple shapes and colors. This movement caused a lot of debate among art critics for a few main reasons:

1. Challenge to Traditional Art:

   • Traditional art often includes detailed stories and strong emotions. Minimalism goes the other way by using very basic shapes and colors, which some people didn't like.
   • A survey in 1965 showed that about 70% of art critics were unsure about minimalism. They thought it didn’t have enough feeling or artistic expression.

2. Less Focus on the Artist:

   • Artists like Donald Judd and Agnes Martin wanted to highlight the materials used to create the artwork instead of focusing on their personal style. This was unexpected for critics who loved seeing the unique touch of different artists.
   • At the 1968 show called "Primary Structures," people had mixed opinions. About 45% liked the new ideas in minimalism, while 55% felt it made art less interesting.

3. Money Matters:

   • Critics worried that minimalism might lose its true meaning because of how much money people were willing to pay for it. Some pieces were selling for over $7 million, making them question their real value.
   • In the 1980s, many companies started buying minimalist art as an investment. This raised concerns that the focus was more on money than on artistic value.

4. Social Issues:

   • Minimalism appeared during a time of great change and conflict in society. Some critics believed that its focus on simple forms ignored important social and political issues of the day.
   • Art theorist Rosalind Krauss pointed out that art should connect with bigger cultural stories. She felt that minimalism was missing the chance to address social topics.

To sum it up, the debate around minimalism comes from its challenge to traditional art ideas, its approach to personal expression, worries about commercialism, and its perceived distance from important cultural issues.