Conceptual Art

Conceptual art is an art movement where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished object itself. Instead of focusing on traditional aesthetics or craftsmanship, conceptual artists emphasize meaning, process, and message. The artwork can take many forms – texts, performances, installations, or simple instructions – and often challenges conventional ideas about what art is. It emerged in the 1960s as a way to push boundaries and provoke thought.

For collectors, buying conceptual art prints online from renowned galleries or reputable dealers offers peace of mind, ensuring each work comes with verifiable provenance – a crucial consideration for long-term value. Buying directly from the publisher, like Schellmann Art, also means the work comes in perfect condition, straight from the source. Each work in our collection reflects our commitment to quality, authenticity, and the highest standards in editioned art. We have published conceptual art prints by many renowned artists, including Jenny Holzer, Daniel Buren, Dan Flavin, Joseph Kosuth, and John Baldessari.

Some of the most famous and influential contemporary conceptual artists include Jenny Holzer, who uses text and LED displays to explore social and political issues, and Damien Hirst, known for provocative works questioning life, death, and value. Joseph Kosuth, one of the earliest conceptual artists, focuses on language and meaning, and Marina Abramović is famous for performance art exploring the limits of the body and mind. Other notable artists include Sol LeWitt, known for his wall drawings and instruction-based works; Bruce Nauman, who explores language, body, and space through performance and installations; Sherrie Levine, who challenges originality by reusing existing works; Thomas Hirschhorn, who creates dense political and cultural installations; and Maurizio Cattelan, recognized for his satirical and provocative sculptures.

Marcel Duchamp played a groundbreaking role in conceptual art by challenging traditional ideas about what art could be. In the early 20th century, he introduced the concept of the "readymade" – ordinary manufactured objects presented as art simply by the artist’s choice, like his famous “Fountain” (a urinal). This shifted the focus from craftsmanship and aesthetic beauty to the idea behind the work, emphasizing concept over form. Duchamp’s radical approach questioned the role of the artist, the art object, and the art market, laying the foundation for later conceptual artists, like Jenny Holzer, Joseph Kosuth, or Sol LeWitt, who prioritized ideas and meaning above physical execution.