Skip to main content

Conceptual Art

CONCEPTUAL STYLE

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.

to
99
417
300
444
395
776
Overall Width
to
Overall Height
to
1
3
708
1,620
3
2
1
7
55
225
196
140
116,128
63,537
56,481
28,018
14,665
9,437
6,661
5,812
4,132
3,125
2,525
2,371
2,128
611
1,194
718
202
649
297
227
194
172
158
145
129
123
107
107
107
101
92
89
88
73
66
64
54
555
438
392
346
322
275
90
78
47
34
197
530
1,472
617
Style: Conceptual
"Untitled 2.18" Photography 16' x 24' inch Edition of 15 by García De Marina

"Untitled 2.18" Photography 16' x 24' inch Edition of 15 by García De Marina

By García De Marina

Located in Culver City, CA

"Untitled 2.18" Photography 16' x 24' inch Edition of 15 by García De Marina Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist García de Marina was born in Gijó...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Digital Pigment

"Untitled 5.20" Still Life Photography 16' x 24' in Ed of 15 by García De Marina

"Untitled 5.20" Still Life Photography 16' x 24' in Ed of 15 by García De Marina

By García De Marina

Located in Culver City, CA

"Untitled 5.20" Still Life Photography 16' x 24' in Ed of 15 by García De Marina Signed and numbered by the artist Comes with COA issued by the artist Not framed. Ships rolled in tu...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Digital Pigment

Shades and Substance - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa

Shades and Substance - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative Portrait, Africa

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

MYSTERY TRAIN

MYSTERY TRAIN

By V.P. aka VIC 161 DEDAJ

Located in New York, NY

Enamels, oils, acrylics, mounted subway tiles, adhered poster on wood with wood frame created by artist. A confluence of inspirations from the artist's graffiti artistry. About the Artist Born in Belgium and artistically inclined at an early age, V.P. was executing well- defined pencil sketched portraits of anyone who would sit for him by age 4. The family’s emigration to the United States in 1967 landed the 8 year old in the Fordham section of the Bronx at the height of the psychedelic era and POP ART movement.  The Fordham Road shopping district offered the young budding artist a fount of inspiration in the form of vibrant Rock & Roll, “black-light” posters in the windows of “head-shops” and the elaborately colored wardrobes of the hippies crowding the boulevard. The pivotal shift in V.P.’s artistic expression was fueled in 1968 by the sight of a Peter Max designed billboard.  Armed with magic markers and acrylic paints, V.P. recreated the vibrant designs from Max’s billboard, the music posters in store windows and the paisley patterns of the shirts the “flower children” favored, as well as the names and slogans painted on the walls of the neighborhood.  The early seventies brought with it a wondrous sight passing overhead on the sides of the elevated trains. NYC Subway Graffiti had arrived.  Looking up and seeing the esoteric names intricately rendered in multi colored swirls and strategically placed on the sides of the trains completely enthralled V.P.’s creative and adventurous spirit. Compelled to be a part of this fascinating movement he watched and rode the subways, deciphering the names and studying the “styles” on the steel rolling art gallery. Using his artistic influences and skills with markers, V.P. created his first moniker “SONIC-ACE” and obsessively drew it in colorful flowing letters to develop his own style.   At age 13 he set out to traverse the city, facing dangers and overcoming obstacles to enter an unknown and secretive world in order to join those who inspired him.  By 1974, he would change his moniker to “VICTOR-161” and paint hundreds of train cars and soon be admitted into the world famous graffiti clique “WILD STYLE” - an honor bestowed due to peer recognized artistic and stylistic abilities.  (WILDSTYLE was created/coined by the iconic TRACY-168)  V.P. was a well known and respected “writer” who “pieced” with revered writers of the day, under the aforementioned monikers including aka’s T-BOLT-123, SULFA-ONE, FANTA-ONE, BOND & ACES.  V.P. retired from painting NYC subway trains in 1977 with occasional excursions in 1986,1987,1988,1999 & 1992.  He continuously expanded his artistic pallet, studying Art History & Graphic Design in college while seeking knowledge from masters in chosen fields of art.  His works have shown in independent galleries nationally and are sought after by international collectors, with numerous private commissions. He has been featured in several best selling books and magazines focusing on graffiti art as well as his status of having been a part of the 1970’s “Golden Era” of NYC Subway Graffiti. V.P. works with a variety of mediums including aerosol paints, oils, water color & acrylic paints, often combining mediums as well as blending POP, graffiti and abstract styles of painting onto wood, canvas and metal.  His professional artistic background includes commercial art and design, logo design, silk screening, printmaking, large commissioned public murals, sign painting, pin striping and airbrushing cars, sculpting, metal fabrication, woodcarving and tattooing. Exhibitions:  Fashion Moda (BXNY) Group Show 1980/Fun Gallery (NYC) group show 1981, Beef Gallery, (LA) Group Show 1981, Gallery International (NYC) Group Show 1985, Susan Greco Gallery (NY) Group Show 1990, Shady Side...

Category

2010s Conceptual Art

Materials

Mixed Media

Precarious

Precarious

By Stephen Hall

Located in New York, NY

Conceptual piece. Commentary on life. Humorous but impactful. Acrylic on canvas. About the artist: Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, Stephen Hall moved to New York in 1978 and began...

Category

2010s Conceptual Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

Impromptu
Impromptu

Impromptu

By Savannah Spirit

Located in Los Angeles, CA

In Savannah Spirit’s photograph, a woman in black garters and a flowing green tulle skirt with pink flower accents is caught mid-motion, her delicate hand drifting into the frame as ...

Category

2010s Conceptual Art

Materials

Archival Pigment

Revival Ramp (B&W), Conceptual Mixed Media Print by Mel Chin
Revival Ramp (B&W), Conceptual Mixed Media Print by Mel Chin

Revival Ramp (B&W), Conceptual Mixed Media Print by Mel Chin

By Mel Chin

Located in Long Island City, NY

Mel Chin, American (1951 - ) - Revival Ramp (B&W), Year: 1996, Medium: Etching, Engraving, Photoetching and Lithograph on Arches, signed, numbered and dated in pencil, Edition:...

Category

1990s Conceptual Art

Materials

Etching, Lithograph

Original ink on Paper, Contemporary Blue Abstract Seaweeds , Waves
Original ink on Paper, Contemporary Blue Abstract Seaweeds , Waves

Original ink on Paper, Contemporary Blue Abstract Seaweeds , Waves

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Ink, Handmade Paper

A Broken Frame - Album Cover for Depeche Mode - Large Size Landscape Photograph
A Broken Frame - Album Cover for Depeche Mode - Large Size Landscape Photograph

A Broken Frame - Album Cover for Depeche Mode - Large Size Landscape Photograph

Located in London, GB

A solitary figure harvests wheat under a darkening sky, embodying resilience against nature's elements... "It had been raining all morning but the clouds suddenly parted and we had 3...

Category

1980s Conceptual Art

Materials

Photographic Film, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Color, Archival P...

Harmony and Freedom - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern
Harmony and Freedom - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern

Harmony and Freedom - 21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Modern

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

Harmony and Freedom captures the peaceful and reflective mood of the artwork, highlighting the tranquility of the water, which signifies the moment of calm and self-recovery through ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Canvas, Archival Ink, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Tatoo, Conceptual Softground etching and Aquatint by Alison Saar
Tatoo, Conceptual Softground etching and Aquatint by Alison Saar

Tatoo, Conceptual Softground etching and Aquatint by Alison Saar

By Alison Saar

Located in Long Island City, NY

Alison Saar (1956 - ) - Tatoo, Year: 1994, Medium: Softground etching and aquatint on BFK Rives, signed, titled and numbered in pencil, Edition: 20, EP, Image Size: 22 x 13 inche...

Category

1990s Conceptual Art

Materials

Etching, Aquatint

Lava painting, expressionist, blue yellow and red, three-dimensional playground
Lava painting, expressionist, blue yellow and red, three-dimensional playground

Lava painting, expressionist, blue yellow and red, three-dimensional playground

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Wood, Acrylic Polymer, Cotton Canvas, Acrylic

Coat for Sale: Figurative Oil Painting on Bamboo Paper, 2010+
Coat for Sale: Figurative Oil Painting on Bamboo Paper, 2010+

Coat for Sale: Figurative Oil Painting on Bamboo Paper, 2010+

Located in Oslo, NO

Through my artwork, I sought to capture the timeless allure of elegance and introspection. The rich oil on paper dance to create a figure robed in a coat radiating warmth and mystery...

Category

2010s Conceptual Art

Materials

Oil, Acrylic, Bamboo Paper

Chinese ink painting made with thousands of numbers, natural black, brown
Chinese ink painting made with thousands of numbers, natural black, brown

Chinese ink painting made with thousands of numbers, natural black, brown

Located in Carballo, ES

Obsessive, meticulous, almost monastic, Kramer immerses us in a universe of graphic and sculptural repetitions. His drawings on kraft paper glued with rabbit glue recall both ancient...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Ink, Handmade Paper

Reinhard Görner Virtue, Bode–Museum, Berlin
Reinhard Görner Virtue, Bode–Museum, Berlin

Reinhard Görner Virtue, Bode–Museum, Berlin

By Reinhard Görner

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Virtue, Bode–Museum, Berlin 50 x 62.5 inches ed. of 10 $6,000 signed and numbered on label, verso Reinhard Görner, with his large format photographs orchestrates the monumentality of rooms. An active architecture photographer since 1985, is a master of perspectives and precise spatial compositions, and he thus considers classical sculpture, in all of its possible facets, a special challenge. "Görner’s photographs sometimes open the doors to another world and take the viewer with them on a journey through time. Here the palace is no longer a museum but both royal residence and a site steeped in history. The viewer does not have to share the halls with the masses of visitors; instead the images offer him exclusive impressions of the Galerie des Glaces (Hall of Mirrors) and the Galerie des Batailles (Hall of Battles) as even the king of France was probably never granted. The halls are empty of people, yet they seem to be able to unfurl their individual characters of their own accord. These places practically breathe history, and this aspect is also part of the essence captured in the photographs. King Wilhelm of Prussia was named German Emperor Wilhelm I in the Hall of Mirrors after France was defeated in 1870–1871 in the Franco-German War. The Treaty of Versailles following World War I was also signed there in 1919. In this sense, the architectural photographs of Versailles...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Lambda

Morgan Library II, New York
Morgan Library II, New York

Morgan Library II, New York

By Reinhard Görner

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Morgan Library II New York 50 x 62.4 inches ed. of 10 $6,000 60 x 74.9 inches ed. of 7 $9,000 70 x 87.5 inches ed. of 5 $11,000 signed and numbered on label, verso Paper is trim...

Category

2010s Conceptual Art

Materials

Lambda, C Print

Iain Baxter& "Correcting Landscape" Conceptual Monoprint Painting
Iain Baxter& "Correcting Landscape" Conceptual Monoprint Painting

Iain Baxter& "Correcting Landscape" Conceptual Monoprint Painting

By Iain Baxter

Located in Surfside, FL

Landscape with refrigerator in bright vibrant colors. Iain Baxter& (the artist recently added the ampersand to his name) is recognized as Canada’s pioneering conceptual artist...

Category

20th Century Conceptual Art

Materials

Mixed Media, Monoprint, Monotype

Singapore Stamp Collection, 30c Singapore Orchid Blue - Floral color photo
Singapore Stamp Collection, 30c Singapore Orchid Blue - Floral color photo

Singapore Stamp Collection, 30c Singapore Orchid Blue - Floral color photo

By Heidler & Heeps

Located in Cambridge, GB

30 Cents Singapore Orchid Blue, from the Heidler & Heeps Stamp Collection. This historic postage stamps that make up the Heidler & Heeps Stamp Collection, Singapore Series 'Postcards...

Category

2010s Conceptual Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Silver Gelatin

Back in 10 - large format photograph of conceptual message sign in landscape
Back in 10 - large format photograph of conceptual message sign in landscape

Back in 10 - large format photograph of conceptual message sign in landscape

By Frank Schott

Located in San Francisco, CA

large scale photograph from a series of conceptual motivational messages on classic Americana billboard signs in landscape of the American West BACK I...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Giclée

Vintage Large Scale C Print Untitled Abstract Photograph
Vintage Large Scale C Print Untitled Abstract Photograph

Vintage Large Scale C Print Untitled Abstract Photograph

By Ken Matsubara

Located in Surfside, FL

The size is as indicated here. the size on sticker is off. 1948 Born in Toyama Prefecture 1973 Dokuritsu Bijyutsu exhibition, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Record of Awards 1977 Da...

Category

1980s Conceptual Art

Materials

C Print

Limited Edition Japanese Photography, #189 Yunoyani Village, Nigata Prefecture
Limited Edition Japanese Photography, #189 Yunoyani Village, Nigata Prefecture

Limited Edition Japanese Photography, #189 Yunoyani Village, Nigata Prefecture

By Toshio Shibata

Located in New york, NY

The photograph Toshio Shibata, #189 Yunoyani Village, Nigata Prefecture, 1989 by Japanese photographer Toshio Shibata is hand-signed (on recto) by the photographer. The 13" x 19" pri...

Category

1980s Conceptual Art

Materials

Photographic Film, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Rag Paper, Pigment, Arc...

Set of Three Framed Singapore Stamp Collection, Orchid Floral Color Photograph
Set of Three Framed Singapore Stamp Collection, Orchid Floral Color Photograph

Set of Three Framed Singapore Stamp Collection, Orchid Floral Color Photograph

By Heidler & Heeps

Located in Cambridge, GB

30 Cents Singapore Orchid, from the Heidler & Heeps Stamp Collection. These historic postage stamps that make up the Heidler & Heeps Stamp Collection, Singapore Series 'Postcards fro...

Category

2010s Conceptual Art

Materials

Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Silver Gelatin

Paintbrushes III
Paintbrushes III

Paintbrushes III

By Arman

Located in Long Island City, NY

Artist: Arman, French/American (1929 - 2005) Title: Paintbrushes III Year: 1991 Medium: Paintbrushes and Oil Paint in Epoxy Resin Sculpture, Signature and number inscribed Edition: 2...

Category

1990s Conceptual Art

Materials

Epoxy Resin, Oil

Pearl - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Love, Floral
Pearl - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Love, Floral

Pearl - 21st Century, Contemporary, Figurative, Portrait, Women, Love, Floral

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic

Giving Last Respect 1 - 21st Century Contemporary, Celebration of Life and Death
Giving Last Respect 1 - 21st Century Contemporary, Celebration of Life and Death

Giving Last Respect 1 - 21st Century Contemporary, Celebration of Life and Death

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

The celebration of life and death in Yoruba land is deeply connected to the use of Aso Oke, a traditional and cultural wear of the Yorubas. The ones used in Ondo to celebrate the liv...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Expressionist painting, Atlantic sea water and pen ink, blacks and greys
Expressionist painting, Atlantic sea water and pen ink, blacks and greys

Expressionist painting, Atlantic sea water and pen ink, blacks and greys

Located in Carballo, ES

Black And White Minimal Painting is an original artwork realized by TUSET in 2019. The work is unframed but has a rigid support on the back. The title of this works is "From the A...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Ink, Handmade Paper

Symbiosis
Symbiosis

Symbiosis

Located in Ibadan, Oyo

"Symbiosis" is a captivating artwork that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the profound connection between individuals. This striking piece features a man carrying a woman in his arms, with her body gracefully turned towards him. The composition is not just a physical portrayal of the act of carrying, but a metaphorical representation of emotional support, intimacy, and interdependence. The choice of the title, "Symbiosis," underscores the idea that this connection is mutually beneficial, where both the man and the woman find strength and comfort in one another. The artist's use of color and texture adds depth and emotion to the work, creating a visual narrative that suggests a profound, nurturing bond. In "Symbiosis," Boluwatife Victoria...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Canvas, Acrylic

LeWitt, Composition, Ficciones (after)
LeWitt, Composition, Ficciones (after)

LeWitt, Composition, Ficciones (after)

By Sol LeWitt

Located in Southampton, NY

Silkscreen on vélin Saunders Waterford, St Cuthberts Mill paper. Paper Size: 8 x 7.625 inches. Inscription: Unsigned and unnumbered, as issued. Notes: From the album, Ficciones, 1984...

Category

1980s Conceptual Art

Materials

Screen

Set of 2 contemporary paintings, Minimalist Blue Sky on paper
Set of 2 contemporary paintings, Minimalist Blue Sky on paper

Set of 2 contemporary paintings, Minimalist Blue Sky on paper

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Ink, Handmade Paper

TODAY - large format photograph of conceptual motivational billboard at night
TODAY - large format photograph of conceptual motivational billboard at night

TODAY - large format photograph of conceptual motivational billboard at night

By Frank Schott

Located in San Francisco, CA

large scale original photograph of a billboard signage against ultramarine blue night sky from a series of conceptual motivational messages on iconic Americana signs...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment, Archival Ink, Giclée

Remarkable Day 2 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Couple Marriage Culture
Remarkable Day 2 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Couple Marriage Culture

Remarkable Day 2 -21st Century Contemporary, Figurative, Couple Marriage Culture

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...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Conceptual Art

Materials

Canvas, Charcoal, Mixed Media, Acrylic

Conceptual art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic Conceptual art available for sale on 1stDibs. Works in this style were very popular during the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artists have continued to produce works inspired by this movement. If you’re looking to add art created in this style to introduce contrast in an otherwise neutral space in your home, the works available on 1stDibs include elements of blue, purple, orange, red and other colors. Many Pop art paintings were created by popular artists on 1stDibs, including Reinhard Görner, Kojun, Jose Sierra, and xulong zhang. Frequently made by artists working with Paper, and Paint and other materials, all of these pieces for sale are unique and have attracted attention over the years. Not every interior allows for large Conceptual art, so small editions measuring 1 inches across are also available. Prices for art made by famous or emerging artists can differ depending on medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $45 and tops out at $500,000, while the average work sells for $2,465.