"A general reason why abstract art first impressed artists and those interested in art, and why it accelerated is that it simply was better.  It involved the invention and organization of techniques and concommitment meaning in accordance with the growing sense of change.  To a certain extent, this was better and the world was better... and usually meant freedom...And, anyway, like scientific progress, belief in progress is usually necessary to action.  Progress in art is not much talked about.  The best artists believe in progress." 

Donald Judd
Note:  1963