In 1967, artist Sol LeWitt wrote that in “Conceptual art the idea or concept is the most important aspect of the work.” He was giving a name to an art movement that had emerged in the 1960s in which artists were less focused on their medium being something traditionally “artistic” and instead engaged in using any object, movement, form, action or place to express an idea.
LeWitt’s work was featured alongside an assemblage of notes, drawings and outlines by other artists in “Working Drawings and Other Visible Things on Paper Not Necessarily Meant to Be Viewed as Art,” a groundbreaking show at New York City’s School of Visual Arts curated by Mel Bochner, another leading exponent of Conceptualism. Building on radical 20th-century statements, like Fountain (1917) by French artist Marcel Duchamp, Conceptual artists around Europe and North and South America were not interested in the commercial art scene and rather directly challenged its systems and values.
Stretching into the 1970s, this movement has also been called Post-Object art and Dematerialized art. Conceptual art reflected a larger era of social and political upheaval. Pieces associated with the style range from Roelof Louw’s Soul City (Pyramid of Oranges) (1967) — a work of installation art that sees fresh oranges stacked into a pyramid from which visitors are allowed to take one orange away — to On Kawara’s “Today” series, which saw the Japanese artist carefully painting a date in white acrylic on canvases consisting of a single color from 1966 to his death in 2014. Artists such as Ed Ruscha, who created the Twentysix Gasoline Stations book — a collection of photos of gas stations that is widely said to be the first modern artists’ book — made photography a major platform for Conceptual art, as did Bruce Nauman, who burned one of Ruscha's books and then photographed it for his own.
Conceptual art’s legacy of questioning artistic authorship, ownership and how to work with complex ideas of space and time had a significant influence on the decades of culture that followed, and it continues to inform art today.
The collection of Conceptual photography, paintings and sculptures on 1stDibs includes artworks by John Baldessari, Jenny Holzer, Lawrence Weiner, Joseph Kosuth and others.
Gaze of Ambition - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Unbridled Joy - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Fragments of Light - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Random Thought
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Random Thought," a captivating creation by artist John Ali, invites viewers into the enigmatic realm of introspection. The artwork features a young man, his head covered with nylon, adorned by an intricate African bead necklace...
Canvas, Oil
Souvenirs of Beauty 1 - 21st Century Mixed Media with Oil and Ankara Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Souvenirs of Beauty" is a captivating portrayal of a woman steeped in tradition and grace, adorned in a rich green headwrap and matching attire that exudes elegance. Her deep brown ...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Crimson Contemplation - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Pearl of Heritage - 21st Century Mixed Media with Oil and African Women Fabrics
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bakare Babatund...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Face to Face
By Aba Linus
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Face to Face" by Aba Linus is a thought-provoking and enigmatic artwork that presents a powerful visual representation of human connection and communication. In this piece, two youn...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,100
Dialogue
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Dialogue," a thought-provoking creation by artist John Ali, beckons viewers into a realm of symbolism and introspection. The artwork features a young man with his head covered in ny...
Canvas, Oil
Surflow - Surfing Art - Figurative Art By Marc Zimmerman
Located in Carmel, CA
Surflow - Surfing Art - Figurative - Oil Print By Marc Zimmerman Marc Zimmerman creates playful paintings, whether deep mysterious jungle or delightfully whimsical florals. His colo...
Canvas, Oil
$3,700
Steadfast Gaze 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Girl
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Caput Mortuum - Conceptual Encaustic Oil Painting, Marble Dust Ash On Canvas XXL
Located in Salzburg, AT
Overall Size: Height 200cm x Width 300cm ( The painting consists of 2 parts, one part: 200x150cm ) Overall Size: Height 78,7402 Inch x Width 118,11 Inch ( The painting consists o...
Marble
Onileke Ara (Beaded in Style) 2 -21st Century Contemporary, African Woman, Beads
By Bakare Abubakri-sideeq Babatunde
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Regal and radiant! 'Onileke Ara (Beaded in Style)' celebrates the beauty and elegance of African culture Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Bakare Babatunde, born in Ogun State, Nigeria, is a dynamic artist whose journey in the world of art has been shaped by a rich cultural background. Completing his higher education in Lagos State, Nigeria, Bakare earned a Higher National Diploma in Library and Information Science, laying the foundation for a unique artistic perspective. Bakare's artistic evolution began with pencil drawing, a modest start that eventually led him to experiment with various mediums. Among these, oil color, acrylic, and Ankara fabrics on canvas emerged as his favored mediums, allowing him to explore the depth of his creative vision. Primarily focusing on figurative painting and portraiture, Bakare's work delves into the intricacies of human expression and identity. His art becomes a canvas for the narratives of emotions and cultural appreciation. Bakare's artistic journey has been punctuated by notable exhibitions, showcasing his talent on both national and international platforms: Icreate Skill Festival Abuja (2017). Ijakadi Art Exhibition, Kwara State (2020). Kwara State Youth Fair 2.0 Art Exhibition Category (2022). 'Unconditional Love Is Not Beyond Us' An Online Group Exhibition by Constance and Sons...
Fabric, Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Ascending Joy - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Girl
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Shades and Substance - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,450
Peace from Within 3 - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Mic...
Canvas, Acrylic
Joyful Moment 2 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Children
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Oluwatobiloba A...
Paper, Coffee, Watercolor
Best Friend - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Love, Cat
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
$2,450
Still Waiting In Silence - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Love
By Aba Linus
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,850
Unraveling - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Mic...
Canvas, Acrylic
$2,650
Seeking Perfection 3 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Mic...
Canvas, Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$3,300
Beyond Reproach - 21st Century, Expressionist, Figurative Portrait, Oil, Women
By Sayeed Momoh
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Sayeed Momoh is...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
Joyful Moment 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Children
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube. This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Oluwatobiloba A...
Paper, Watercolor, Coffee
$2,850
Solace
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
In the captivating piece titled "Solace," artist John Ali unveils a profound exploration of introspection through the gaze of a young woman lost in thought. The poignant portrayal ca...
Canvas, Oil
Garment of Hope
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Garment of Hope," a poignant masterpiece crafted by the skilled hands of artist John Ali, invites viewers into a world where innocence and resilience converge. This evocative artwor...
Canvas, Acrylic
$1,850
Solitude Mood -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Artist, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Mic...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
$1,850
Seeking Perfection 2 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Mic...
Canvas, Archival Ink, Acrylic, Mixed Media
$1,850
Help From Above - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Mic...
Canvas, Acrylic, Archival Ink
Weight of Return -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern, Skate
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
This piece captures the moment where emotion becomes stronger than ego. The running figure carries two contrasting elements (a skating machine symbolizing movement, escape, and the f...
Canvas, Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Deborah
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell and got back up again." I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. “The peasantry ceased, they ceas...
Canvas, Acrylic
From the series “Creatio Continua I” Conceptual Oil and Marble Dust Painting
Located in Salzburg, AT
Krzysztof Gliszczyński is Professor for painting on Academy of fine arts Gdansk. Krzysztof Gliszczyński born in Miastko in 1962. Graduated from the Gdańsk Academy of Fine Arts in 1...
Marble
Upright Impression
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Upright Impression" by John Ali captures the innocence, resilience, and curiosity of youth through the portrayal of a young girl. In this captivating artwork, the girl stands tall a...
Canvas, Oil
$3,080Sale Price|20% Off
"Let Me In, Let Me Out" - Abstract Mixed Media Composition
Located in Soquel, CA
"Let Me In, Let Me Out" - Abstract Mixed Media Composition Boldly colored abstract figurative composition by California artist Elizabeth Arrington Leaf (American, B-1955). Three lar...
Canvas, Paper, Acrylic
$1,850
Embrace of Solitude - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Mic...
Canvas, Acrylic
Three Dog Night
By Michael Beam
Located in Buffalo, NY
The title for this work was inspired by the ruminations of Charles Manson in the 2010 publication Charles Manson NOW. “When you come to prison and you stay the fifteen years, all the dogs of the world are dead when you come back out, there is no dog that was a live when you were out last time. The three dog...
Acrylic, Canvas, Glitter, Spray Paint
Post Conceptual Digital Artist Oil Painting Screenprint Diptych Joseph Nechvatal
Located in Surfside, FL
Joseph Nechvatal The Oedipal God of Oil Paint and Destruction, Diptych Oil and screenprint on two canvases, 1985, both signed 'Joseph Nechvatal', titled and dated on the reverse, with label from Brooke Alexander, NY. Joseph James Nechvatal (born 15 January 1951) is a post-conceptual digital artist and art theoretician who creates computer-assisted paintings and computer animations, often using custom-created computer viruses. Joseph Nechvatal was born in Chicago. He studied fine art and philosophy at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Cornell University and Columbia University, where he studied with Arthur Danto while serving as the archivist to the minimalist composer La Monte Young. From 1979, he exhibited his work in New York City, primarily at Galerie Richard, Brooke Alexander Gallery and Universal Concepts Unlimited. He has also solo exhibited in Berlin, Paris, Chicago, Cologne, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Aalst, Belgium, Youngstown, Senouillac, Lund, Toulouse, Turin, Arles and Munich. His work in the early 1980s chiefly consisted of post minimalist gray graphite drawings that were often photo mechanically enlarged. During that period he was associated with the artist group Colab and helped establish the non-profit cultural space ABC No Rio. In 1983 he co-founded the avant-garde electronic art music audio project Tellus Audio Cassette...
Canvas, Oil, Screen
$1,850
Hope From Above -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Woman, Modern
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. About Artist Mic...
Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic
Tractor Replaces the Horse
Located in Buffalo, NY
An original enamel on metal painting by emerging contemporary conceptual artist Craig Sheperd (b. 1984) Craig Sheperd’s paintings, most of which are enamel on metal, were created o...
Metal, Enamel
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
the painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Ink
Sisters in Yellow 1
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"I cherish our memories and the bond we share. My love for you is like a precious gem, shining bright and always treasured." Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor on...
Canvas, Acrylic
$8,000Sale Price|33% Off
Flower Goddess - Figurative Paintings - Conceptual Art By Marc Zimmerman
Located in Carmel, CA
Primal woman of the jungle with a headdress of vibrant tropical plants Flower Goddess - Figurative Paintings - Conceptual Art By Marc Zimmerman This masterpiece is exhibited in th...
Oil
$3,700
Steadfast Gaze 1 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa, Girl
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
$3,500
Garment of Hope 3 - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa Girl
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
"Garment of Hope," a poignant masterpiece crafted by the skilled hands of artist John Ali, invites viewers into a world where innocence and resilience converge. This evocative artwor...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Lithograph
$2,800
Krishna, Mythology, Acrylic, Tempera, Green, Yellow by Indian Artist "In Stock"
By Aditya Basak
Located in Kolkata, West Bengal
Aditya Basak - Untitled - 36 x 30 inches (unframed size) Acrylic & Tempera on Canvas ** This work will be shipped in a roll form. "Through the medium of the fantasy, Basak probes...
Canvas, Acrylic, Tempera
Blue menina
Located in Barcelona, CT
This artwork presents a stylized figure set against a striking, abstract backdrop. Dominating the canvas, the central figure is adorned in a voluminous, deep blue skirt, evoking a re...
Acrylic, Wood
Chinese Contemporary Art by Su Yu - Rope Swing
By Su Yu
Located in Paris, IDF
Oil on canvas Su Yu is a Chinese artist born in 1987 who lives and works in Beijing. He was an old student of prestigious art teachers as Shi Liang & Chen Danqing at Oil Paintin...
Canvas, Oil
$2,600Sale Price|20% Off
Russian authorities. 2002, oil on canvas, acrylic, collage, 60x40 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Russian authorities. 2002, oil on canvas, acrylic, collage, 60x40 cm Igor Leontiev (1957) - one of the leading independent painters in Latvia Born in Riga, Latvia. Studied in the A...
Canvas, Oil, Acrylic
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Engraving
Red menina
Located in Barcelona, CT
This artwork showcases a striking figure, central to the composition, with a stark, matte black complexion contrasting sharply against vibrant hues. The character's blue bobbed hair ...
Acrylic
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
"Backstage Rant" Conceptual Text Based Painting
By David Kramer
Located in New York, NY
This large scale conceptual text based painting by New York artist, David Kramer, features, in bold type the phase: "... I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY...
Oil, Canvas
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
Untitled
By Juan Canals
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
Quiet Matriarch - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa
By John Ali
Located in Ibadan, Oyo
Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gal...
Canvas, Acrylic
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
Living Large - Original Canvas - Signed
Located in New York, NY
Homages to Mr. Monopoly. Conceptual. Vintage magazines in the background to create the narrative. One of a kind. About the Artist: NELSON DE LA NUEZ is one of the most sough...
Canvas, Acrylic, Watercolor, Newsprint