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.
Monkey Time - Animal Painting By Marc Zimmerman
Located in Carmel, CA
Playfl monkeys climb exotic colored plants clowning as only monkeys do. Monkey Time - Animal Painting - Oil on Canvas By Marc Zimmerman Marc Zimmerman creates playful paintings, ...
Canvas, Oil
She is my best
Located in Zofingen, AG
The painting “My Best” - where chickens appear as women - symbolizes the relationship between a man and a woman. A man leading a chicken on a leash symbolizes his attitude towards hi...
Canvas, Oil
Vertical Phythms - Animal Painting By Marc Zimmerman
Located in Carmel, CA
Vertical Phythms - Animal Painting - Oil on Canvas By Marc Zimmerman Marc Zimmerman creates playful paintings, whether deep mysterious jungle or delightfully whimsical florals. His...
Oil
$1,950
The Farm
By Greg Decker
Located in Atlanta, GA
Greg's witty and charming oil painting on aluminium comes framed in a floater frame which adds 1.75 inches all the way around. "Greg Decker is a visionary painter. His work epitomise...
Metal
A Big Catch
Located in Zofingen, AG
This captivating oil on canvas, titled "A Big Catch," invites you to ponder the bravery of pursuing your aspirations. The surreal and symbolic elements blend with a pop art sensibili...
Canvas, Oil
The Sea Beyond the Fence
Located in Zofingen, AG
The sea has long symbolized freedom, peace, and the simple joy of being close to nature. In this painting, however, the shoreline is interrupted by a barrier—a quiet reminder that ev...
Canvas, Oil
Clouds and Early Moon
By Greg Decker
Located in Atlanta, GA
Greg's witty and charming oil painting on aluminium comes framed in a floater frame which adds 1.75 inches all the way around. "Greg Decker is a visionary painter. His work epitomise...
Metal
Dusk Pool by Karen Lynn, Hockney Inspired, Architectural, Contemporary
By Karen Lynn
Located in Deddington, GB
Dusk Pool [2022] original and hand signed by the artist oil on canvas Image size: H:100 cm x W:100 cm Complete Size of Unframed Work: H:100 cm x W:100 cm x D:4cm Sold Unframed Please note that insitu images are purely an indication of how a piece may look This is a painting from my architectural series of works. I wanted to paint a twilight scene using deep rich colours against a beautiful lit up pool. A window depicting another world inside a modernist house reflecting interiors with warm and inviting colours. I am inspired by modern architecture as I love painting the straight lines against the softness of nature with its trees and plants and cactii. This painting is painted in oils on a thick painted edged canvas and is ready to hang. Discover original architectural paintings online with Wychwood Art and in our Oxfordshire art gallery by artist Karen Lynn...
Canvas, Oil
Landscape in Blue - Animal Painting - Conceptual Art By Marc Zimmerman
Located in Carmel, CA
In an abstract forest meadow exotic animals contentedly graze. The trees are lush with inventive surreal flowers and leaves. Landscape in Blue - Animal Paintings - Conceptual Art By...
Canvas, Oil
' Do You See That I Love You? ' oil on canvas
Located in London, GB
' Do You See That I Love You? ' 2013 oil on canvas 70 w x 60 h cm signed on reverse by artist. Unique work. About the artist : Katherine Russell is a L...
Cotton Canvas, Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
$1,900
Perro
By Erik Perez
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
An innate and atypical landscape artist, Eric Pérez is an intellectual who paints. He knows and loves Mexican and world history, from which he derives his contemporary context. His p...
Oil, Linen
$1,850
Luna 2
By Erik Perez
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
An innate and atypical landscape artist, Eric Pérez is an intellectual who paints. He knows and loves Mexican and world history, from which he derives his contemporary context. His p...
Oil, Canvas
Contemporary blue painting on paper, Seascape, Abstract Seaweeds
By TUSET
Located in Carballo, ES
This is an original artwork unframed realized by TUSET in 2020. We can frame it in natural wood or black on request. Dimensions: 65 x 50 cm Original and unique piece 1/1. Includes ...
Ink, Handmade Paper
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Engraving
Set of 2 contemporary paintings, Minimalist Blue Sky on paper
By TUSET
Located in Carballo, ES
Set of 2 Blue Minimal Paintings. This is an original artwork realized by TUSET in 2019. We can frame it in natural wood or black on request. The dimensions of each painting are 41 x...
Ink, Handmade Paper
"Under construction", Painting with concrete on paper, Land art / Earthworks
By TUSET
Located in Carballo, ES
This new series of works by the multidisciplinary artist TUSET (1997, A Coruña) shows us a completely unique dynamic. In these works he uses the concrete of the construction as picto...
Concrete
$1,256
Lava painting, expressionist, blue yellow and red, three-dimensional playground
By Ruth Vidal
Located in Carballo, ES
This year, 2024, the artist Ruth Vidal (1998, Isla de Arousa) launches her latest research into painting and games. These works are based on the references that the artist draws from...
Wood, Acrylic Polymer, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic
KN852, Space-scape painting by Andreas Nottebohm
Located in Long Island City, NY
Andreas Nottebohm is a German painter known as a key innovator in metal painting. The painting measures 48 x 40 inches and is signed and dated verso. Provenance: Private Collection, NYC
Metal
Earthy Abstract Metal Landscape Composition "Telephone Poles"
Located in Cape Town, ZA
Mark Hilltout has always been drawn to the random, the discarded and the broken. Car dumps fascinate him - he is attracted to the broken edge, not the perfectly straight line. For th...
Metal, Iron
Anguish & Resignation 84: Conceptual Oil on Linen, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The choice of pink for the stones is deliberate, emphasizing that this is not a naturalistic depiction. Ortega begins his paintings on a magenta base—a color that does not exist natu...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Anguish & Resignation 79: Conceptual Oil on Canvas, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The choice of pink for the stones is deliberate, emphasizing that this is not a naturalistic depiction. Ortega begins his paintings on a magenta base—a color that does not exist natu...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
Original ink on Paper, Contemporary Blue Abstract Seaweeds , Waves
By TUSET
Located in Carballo, ES
Blue Minimal Painting is an original artwork realized by TUSET in 2020. The painting is unframed, we can frame it in natural wood or black on request. The title of this works is "F...
Ink, Handmade Paper
Original ink on Paper, Contemporary Landscape Botanic Expressionist
By TUSET
Located in Carballo, ES
Black And White Minimal Painting is an original artwork realized by TUSET in 2020. We can frame it in natural wood or black on request. The title of this works is "From the Apollon...
Ink, Handmade Paper
Fresco, Large painting by Peter Saari
By Peter Saari
Located in Long Island City, NY
Peter Saari is an American artist who's work aims to re-invent antiquity through recreating ancient wall paintings and decoration. Provenance: Lamanga Gal...
Canvas, Plaster, Oil
Monkeying Around - Animal Painting by Marc
Located in Carmel, CA
Monkeys at play in a coral backdrop and colorful flowing foliage. Good for reminding us of our playful nature. Monkeying Around - Animal Paintings - Conceptual Art By Marc Zimmerman...
Oil
Old & Master 88: Oil Painting on Linen, Conceptual Style, 2024
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The choice of pink for the stones is deliberate, emphasizing that this is not a naturalistic depiction. Ortega begins his paintings on a magenta base—a color that does not exist natu...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Anguish & Resignation 86: Conceptual Oil on Canvas, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The choice of pink for the stones is deliberate, emphasizing that this is not a naturalistic depiction. Ortega begins his paintings on a magenta base—a color that does not exist natu...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Anguish & Resignation 85: Conceptual Oil Painting on Canvas, 2024
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The choice of pink for the stones is deliberate, emphasizing that this is not a naturalistic depiction. Ortega begins his paintings on a magenta base—a color that does not exist natu...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Anguish & Resignation 83: Conceptual Oil Painting on Linen, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The choice of pink for the stones is deliberate, emphasizing that this is not a naturalistic depiction. Ortega begins his paintings on a magenta base—a color that does not exist natu...
Linen, Oil
Anguish & Resignation 82: Conceptual Oil Painting on Linen, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The choice of pink for the stones is deliberate, emphasizing that this is not a naturalistic depiction. Ortega begins his paintings on a magenta base—a color that does not exist natu...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Anguish & Resignation 80: Conceptual Oil Painting on Linen, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The choice of pink for the stones is deliberate, emphasizing that this is not a naturalistic depiction. Ortega begins his paintings on a magenta base—a color that does not exist natu...
Canvas, Linen, Oil
Metal Landscape Composition "Airport Road, Cape Town"
Located in Cape Town, ZA
Mark Hilltout has always been drawn to the random, the discarded and the broken. Car dumps fascinate him - he is attracted to the broken edge, not the perfectly straight line. For th...
Iron, Metal
Reginald and Perrin 2: Conceptual Oil Painting, Unframed, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
"Pinté por primera vez estas obras porque no sabía qué pintar o qué podría pintarse. Se trata, ciertamente, de un comienzo desdichado que no conduce a nada significativo. Sin embargo...
Oil
Reginald and Perrin 9: Conceptual Oil Painting, 2010s, Unframed
Located in BARCELONA, ES
"Pinté por primera vez estas obras porque no sabía qué pintar o qué podría pintarse. Se trata, ciertamente, de un comienzo desdichado que no conduce a nada significativo. Sin embargo...
Oil
Reginald and Perrin 22: Conceptual Oil Painting, 27x35 cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
"Pinté por primera vez estas obras porque no sabía qué pintar o qué podría pintarse. Se trata, ciertamente, de un comienzo desdichado que no conduce a nada significativo. Sin embargo...
Oil
Reginald and Perrin 26: Conceptual Oil Painting, Unframed, 2010+
Located in BARCELONA, ES
"Pinté por primera vez estas obras porque no sabía qué pintar o qué podría pintarse. Se trata, ciertamente, de un comienzo desdichado que no conduce a nada significativo. Sin embargo...
Oil
Reginald and Perrin 24: Conceptual Oil Painting, Unframed, 27x35 cm
Located in BARCELONA, ES
"Pinté por primera vez estas obras porque no sabía qué pintar o qué podría pintarse. Se trata, ciertamente, de un comienzo desdichado que no conduce a nada significativo. Sin embargo...
Oil
Far Rockaway Seascape, Conceptual Oil Painting by Vladimir German
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Vladimir German, Russian/American (1940 - ) Title: Far Rockaway Seascape Year: 1988 - 89 Medium: Oil on Paper mounted on Board, signed verso Size: 18.5 in. x 26.25 in. (46.99...
Oil
Autumn wind. Cardboard, oil, 64 x 75 cm
Located in Riga, LV
Autumn wind Cardboard, oil, 64x75 cm Victor Karnauh (1950, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukrainian SSR – 2012, Dnepropetrovsk Oblast, Ukraine) – a painter, a...
Canvas, Oil
$1,850
Luna 1
By Erik Perez
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
An innate and atypical landscape artist, Eric Pérez is an intellectual who paints. He knows and loves Mexican and world history, from which he derives his contemporary context. His p...
Linen, Oil
Xólotl en la caverna
By Erik Perez
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
An innate and atypical landscape artist, Eric Pérez is an intellectual who paints. He knows and loves Mexican and world history, from which he derives his contemporary context. His p...
Canvas, Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
Monkey Time #2 - Animal Painting By Marc Zimmerman
Located in Carmel, CA
Playfl monkeys climb exotic colored plants clowning as only monkeys do. in this hot pink painting. Monkey Time #2 - Animal Painting - Oil on Canvas By Marc Zimmerman Marc Zimmerma...
Canvas, Oil
$3,900
Reflections in the City - Figurative Painting - Conceptual Art By Marc Zimmerman
Located in Carmel, CA
Reflections in store front windows from across the street created fascinating abstract overlaps onto the manicans. This painting is from the mission district in San Francisco. Refle...
Canvas, Oil
Love Letters to Cornwall I by Mary Scott, Landscape, Love, Cornwall
By Mary Scott
Located in Deddington, GB
Love Letters to Cornwall (I) by Mary Scott [2021] original and hand signed by the artist Acrylic and oil on wood panel Image size: H:40 cm x W:40 cm Complete Size of Unframed Wor...
Wood, Oil, Acrylic
$7,200Sale Price|20% Off
Cosmic Gal - Figurative Painting- Spacescape Art By Marc Zimmerman
Located in Carmel, CA
The Goddess creates from within her own creative imagination .Universes appear as her mudra engenders planets and stars. Cosmic Gal - Figurative Painting- Spacescape Art By Marc Zi...
Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Engraving
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
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
Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered witha work and authenticity certificate
Oil
"A Proposal for Skypiece over Kassel 'Sie' " Triptych, Acrylic on Paper, 3
Located in Astoria, NY
Domenick Capobianco (American, b. 1928), "A Proposal for Skypiece over Kassel 'Sie'" Triptych, Three Acrylic on Paper, titled lower left and signed in pencil lower right to two piece...
Paper, Acrylic
Boris LACROIX (1902-1984), wallpaper design
Located in Paris, FR
Boris Lacroix (born in Paris in 1902, where he died in 1984) was a French Art Deco architect and designer. Boris Lacroix served as the artistic director of the Vionnet fashion house ...
Paper, Gouache
Las flores del mal
By Nadín Ospina
Located in Mexico City, CDMX
He refers to the history of art, particularly to pop culture and the social circumstances of its local environment as well as its universal confrontation. Humor and irony with a crit...
Cotton, Color