Conceptual art begins with an idea that can be simple or surprising, discovered through intuition rather than complex planning. The physical form of a conceptual artwork is less important than the idea behind it, though it must have some form to be seen. An idea is what initiates and drives conceptual art.
8. The ideas need not be complex. Most ideas that are successful are ludicrously
simple. Successful ideas generally have the appearance of simplicity because they
seem inevitable. In terms of ideas the artist is free even to surprise himself. Ideas
are discovered by intuition. What the work of art looks like isnt too important. It
has to look like something if it has physical form. No matter what form it may
finally have it must begin with an idea.
Sol Lewitt
Paragraphs on Conceptual Art 1967
Editor's Notes
When attitude becomes form LIVE IN YOUR HEAD, 1969
When attitute becomes form, 1969, Kunsthalle Berna, exhibition view
Catalogo Mostra When Attitute Becomes Form
Richard Serra, Splashing Series, 1969
Sol Le Witt, quadrati rossi, lettere bianche 1962-62
Sol Lewitt, Wall drawing, installazione al MAXXI
Joseph Kosuth, Five Fives (to Donald Judd) 1965
Kosuth, box,cube, empty, clear, glass: a description, 1965
Kosuth, Nothing, 1967from Art as an idea as an idea
Kosuth, Meaning/Meaningles, 1968 from Art as an idea as an idea
Kosuth, One and Three Chair, 1965 esposto alla mostra Art as an Idea as an Idea, 1967.
Roman Opalka, Detail, Millenium Project
Roman Opalka, Detail, Millenium Project
Nauman, Perfect Door, Perfecy Odor, Perfect Rodo, 1972-73
Nauman, The True artist helps the world by revealing mystic thruths, 1967
Nauman, Vices and Virtues, 1988 (installazione pad. USA, biennale 2009)