The Art of Less: An Exploration of Essence

A Coffee Table Mags pick for design readers — minimalism, interiors and visual calm with real depth.

The Art of Less explores minimalism not as emptiness, but as presence.

Created with Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen of Norm Architects and Sarah Dorweiler of Aesence, the book profiles 20 contemporary artists, designers and architects whose work shows how reduction can become sensory, emotional and intellectual. Organised around five elements — balance, rhythm, contrast, space and materiality — it is a beautifully produced book about restraint, atmosphere and the quiet power of less.

About the authors
Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen is a Danish architect, designer and photographer, best known as co-founder of Copenhagen-based Norm Architects. His work is closely associated with soft minimalism, sensory interiors and a restrained approach to architecture, furniture and spatial design.

Sarah Dorweiler is the founder of Aesence, an independent curatorial platform dedicated to minimalist aesthetics across contemporary art and design. Her perspective brings a more editorial and reflective understanding of minimalism — not simply as a look, but as a way of perceiving.

About gestalten
gestalten is a Berlin-based publisher known for visually driven books on design, architecture, interiors, travel, food, culture and contemporary creativity. Its books often sit between reference, inspiration and coffee-table object — made for readers who care about both content and production.