Ellsworth Kelly's art in the 1970s marked a period of evolution and significant contribution to minimalism, characterized by his move towards simpler, more geometric forms and the introduction of curved shapes into his repertoire. After relocating from New York City to Spencertown, New York, in 1970, Kelly's work transitioned towards the exploration of space and form through the medium of large-scale, brightly colored canvases and sculptures that engaged directly with the viewer's perception of space. Kelly's move to Spencertown allowed him the space to expand his studio practice both literally and metaphorically. He initially worked in a studio found in the nearby town of Chatham, where he embarked on an ambitious series of 14 paintings known as the Chatham Series. Each painting in this series was an assemblage of two joined canvases, each painted a different color, creating compositions of inverted 'L' shapes that played with the perception of space and form. This series was indicative of Kelly's interest in color and shape as independent entities, exploring their interaction without adhering to a predetermined system​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Ellsworth Kelly)​. During the 1970s, Kelly's minimalist approach continued to evolve, demonstrating a profound understanding of the essence of his subjects. His work from this period is characterized by a vivid use of geometric blocks and intense colors, which built upon his reputation for abstraction and exploration of the essence of subjects. Kelly's background, including his early work in camouflage during World War II, influenced his understanding of visual perception, which was a continual theme throughout his career. This understanding of how reality can be visually manipulated or simplified into abstract forms became a hallmark of his work, especially evident in the way he pared down visuals from the world into direct, visceral abstractions using basic colors and geometric shapes​ (Smithsonian Magazine)​. The transition from postwar geometric abstraction to the minimalist movement that began in the early 1970s is notably marked by Kelly's contributions. His work from this era, while simpler compared to his contemporaries, conveyed a totality and an essence that resonated deeply within the minimalist ethos. The simplicity and geometric purity of his works from the 1970s influenced a subsequent generation of minimalists, including prominent figures like Frank Stella and Donald Judd. His pieces, often described as totemic, explored the essence of ideas or emotions in tangible, tactile ways, which had a profound impact on both his contemporaries and artists who followed​ (Smithsonian Magazine)​. Ellsworth Kelly's art in the 1970s not only represented a significant phase of his career but also contributed fundamentally to the broader narrative of 20th-century American art. His work from this period underlines a meticulous exploration of color, form, and spatial relationships, setting a precedent for minimalist art and influencing future generations of artists. Reinhardt's Black Paintings, created in the latter part of his career until his untimely death in 1967, represent the culmination of his artistic vision. These works, while appearing monochromatic at first glance, reveal upon closer inspection a complex interplay of shades and textures. Reinhardt meticulously crafted these paintings with subtle variations in hue and geometry, aiming to engage viewers in a contemplative experience beyond the visual​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​. Central to Reinhardt's practice in the 1960s was his belief in the autonomy of art. He sought to create works that stood independently of any external references or influences, embodying his principle that art should be "pure, abstract, non-objective, timeless, spaceless, changeless, relationless, disinterested"​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​. This approach positioned Reinhardt as a key figure in the transition to Minimalism and Conceptual art, with younger artists admiring the reductive rigor and systematic approach of his late works​ (The Art Story)​. Throughout the 1960s, Reinhardt remained a prolific writer and critic, articulating his views on art and abstraction in numerous essays and articles. His writing, like his paintings, reflects a sharp wit and a deep commitment to the principles of abstraction, challenging the conventions of the art world and advocating for a vision of art as a pursuit transcendent of everyday concerns​ (Wikipedia)​. Reinhardt's contributions to the art of the 1960s, particularly through his Black Paintings, continue to resonate in the fields of Minimalism and Conceptual art, marking him as a pivotal figure in the history of modern art. His work invites viewers to reconsider the essence of painting and the potential for art to convey profound, non-representational experiences​ (The Art Story)​​ (The Museum of Modern Art)​.