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.
"NeoRealism (on the Subway)" conceptual, text based work on paper
By David Kramer
Located in New York, NY
38"x25" signed by the artist, David Kramer. (oil, enamel, acrylic, pencil on gessoed paper) In this conceptual work on paper, the text "Keeping it Real...Whatever That Means" is wr...
Enamel
Satirical Text Based Conceptual Painting: "Log Entries..."
By David Kramer
Located in New York, NY
38"x27" signed by the artist, David Kramer. (acrylic, pencil on gessoed paper) In this conceptual work on paper, the text "Handmade Memes... Old World Flavor." is hand drawn to loo...
Paper, Oil, Pencil
What Ecstatic Danger
By Alex Gingrow
Located in New York, NY
graphite, flashe, ink and gesso on paper, 22"x30" signed by the artist Alex Gingrow creates text-based paintings and drawings that are at turns witty, sardonic, poetic, self-deprecat...
Gesso, Ink, Graphite
Plot Plan No. 10616
Located in New York, NY
Plot Plan No. 10616 Potentially Materialized Triple Chamber Confinement Study This ink and watercolor, work on paper is from Patricia Smith's newly released series: "Shelter in...
Archival Ink, Watercolor, Archival Paper
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
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
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
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
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
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
Oil
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Oil
Eva al desnudo
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Acrylic
Niño a caballo
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
Mixed Media
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Lithograph
Untitled
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media, Watercolor
Aguas Serenas
Located in Barcelona, CT
The painting is being offered with a work and authenticity certificate
Mixed Media
Translucent
Located in New York, NY
Mysterious woman. Oil on canvas. Fab wallpaper background. About the artist: “There's a dry ironic twist to Paul’s paintings that give the work — while realistic — a postmodern feeling of reflection, observation and cultural critique. Somewhere between the Cohen Brothers...
Canvas, Oil
Witching Hour
Located in New York, NY
Oil on canvas. Dramatic. Female centric. Nighttime. Mysterious. About the artist: “There's a dry ironic twist to Paul’s paintings that give the work — while realistic — a postmodern feeling of reflection, observation and cultural critique. Somewhere between the Cohen Brothers...
Mixed Media
Praise for the Misguided
Located in New York, NY
Oil on canvas. Conceptual piece - female centric. About the artist: “There's a dry ironic twist to Paul’s paintings that give the work — while realistic — a postmodern feeling of reflection, observation and cultural critique. Somewhere between the Cohen Brothers...
Canvas, Oil
Relax
Located in New York, NY
Figurative piece with a fun, simple narrative. The beauty of the piece lies in its simplicity. On 3/4 canvas.
Canvas, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Emergency Broadcast
Located in New York, NY
Figurative piece with a fun, simple narrative. The beauty of the piece lies in its simplicity. On 3/4 canvas.
Canvas, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Prime Colors
By Jim Molloy
Located in New York, NY
Nostalgic painting of vintage toy car that has been worked on by a novice mechanic. Oil on canvas with black frame one inch on front, two inches deep. This piece sold but commissio...
Canvas, Oil
URBAN MUSTANG
Located in New York, NY
The American mustang. Revered for his freedom, yet never truly free. Cast in a red glow of pain, his spirit is never taken, as his numbers are cut down. Created in acrylics, life-...
Mixed Media
Window
Located in New York, NY
Figurative piece with a fun, simple narrative. The beauty of the piece lies in its simplicity. On 3/4 canvas.
Canvas, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
Chair
Located in New York, NY
Figurative piece with a fun, simple narrative. The beauty of the piece lies in its simplicity. On 3/4 canvas.
Canvas, Oil Crayon, Acrylic
$4,500
Commuter
By Jim Molloy
Located in New York, NY
Oil painting. The implied narrative adds to the piece. A glimpse into a child's world, one we all have experienced. Tone is engaging, fun with universal appeal. About the art...
Oil, Canvas
Four Seasons : colorful figurative work of art
By John Hrehov
Located in New York, NY
A diptych by an accomplished artist John Hrehov. The painting is a visual allegory of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, the characteristics of which can be seen in the backgrounds of...
Canvas, Oil, Panel
Price Upon Request
Solar Eclipse, Acrylic Painting by Jack Goldstein
Located in Long Island City, NY
Solar Eclipse Jack Goldstein, Canadian (1945-2003) Date: 1984 Medium: Acrylic on Canvas Size: 72 x 72 inches
Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Ascoltando Il Sole II
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Ascoltando Il Sole I
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Ascoltando I Fulmini Listening to Lightning Green
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Ero Seduto Guardando Il Tramonto - I Was Sitting Watching the Sunset
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Io Su Poltrona Pensando Al Lui Me On An Armchair Thinking About Him
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Ascoltando I Fulmini Listening to Lightning
Located in Rye, NY
With these pieces Mattia is painting a self-portrait in a unique and creative way without the typical technique of using paint with brush strokes. Mattia starts by creating molds then ice sculptures with color...
Canvas, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Stars and Stripes - SOLD - Commission Available
Located in New York, NY
Pop Art. Mixed Media sketch on paper. Floats on white matte and framed with white frame. A celebration of America via the Flag. Vintage feel. Background from artists vintage ...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Price Upon Request
Conceptual Abstract
By Craig Alan
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Original with resin finish from world renowned artist with unique, one of a kind style. About the Artist: In his prolific career is a culmination of textbook artistic...
Canvas, Mixed Media
Price Upon Request
Spectrum
By Craig Alan
Located in New York, NY
Mixed Media Original with resin finish from world renowned artist with unique, one of a kind style. About the Artist: In his prolific career is a culmination of textbook artistic...
Canvas, Mixed Media
'Close Touching God' Mixed Media Conceptual Wall Sculpture
Located in Rye, NY
Artist Statement: With this sculpture I represented how every day man lives trying to outdo himself, almost in competition with himself and with others, in some cases feeling omnipot...
Acrylic, Ceramic, Wood
Price Upon Request
Experimentation for Chinatown
By Chryssa Vardea-Mavromichali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Chryssa, Greek (1933 - 2013) Title: Experimentation for Chinatown Year: 1977 Medium: Acrylic on Paper, signed and dated l.r. Size: 30 in. x 22 in. (76.2 cm x 55.88 cm) ...
Paper, Acrylic
Price Upon Request
Color Chart for Chinatown Nighttime
By Chryssa Vardea-Mavromichali
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Chryssa, Greek (1933 - 2013) Title: Color Chart for Chinatown Nighttime Year: 1977 Medium: Acrylic on Paper , signed and dated l.r. Size: 22 in. x 30 in. (55.88 cm x 76.2...
Paper, Acrylic