Is Christmas Too OTT For You? Then Check Out These Minimalist Gifts & Dishes

Don't be mistaken — minimalism doesn't just mean clean lines and blank spaces. Although there IS a room full of what appears to be all-black paintings in National Gallery Singapore's new Minimalism: Space. Light. Object. exhibition, there is also plenty of colour, and curves and eclectic elements. Consider the current interest in minimalism a reaction against the excesses and hysteria of a world enamoured by celebrities, social media and a glut of fast-moving images.

In tandem with the minimalism exhibition, Gallery & Co. is serving up minimalist-cool gifts that are anything but boring. Another must-visit is award-winning artist Martin Creed's cafe installation, which sees Gallery & Co's cafe transformed into an eclectic space where every single piece of cutlery, glassware, chair and table is unique. When we remark that that doesn't seem very minimalist, a Gallery & Co spokesperson tells 8 DAYS, "The misconception about minimalism is that you will see very few things. There’s actually a wide spectrum of things that can be considered minimalist." We also learn that the use of one material is also common in minimalism, and that the movement is associated with simplicity, clarity and a knowledge of the things that matter to you.

With that in mind, here are gifts and dishes to help you have a cooler, more minimalist festive season.