Conceptual Art Content from the guide to life, the universe and everything

Conceptual Art

7 Conversations

Conceptual art is any work that questions the meaning of art itself.

It may not be obviously recognisable as art. For instance, a piece of Conceptual Art by Felix Gonzales-Torres consisted of a pile of candies on the floor. It may only exist for a moment, and only survive afterwards in notes or photographs which document the work without actually being the work itself.

Confused? Even the Conceptualists couldn't hit on a coherent definition. People have always asked questions about art (such as "You paid how much for that?!") but art that asks its own questions may safely be considered Conceptual.

Use the term whenever you see a work you don't quite understand. Chances are, you'll be right.


Bookmark on your Personal Space


Edited Entry

A144262

Infinite Improbability Drive

Infinite Improbability Drive

Read a random Edited Entry

Categorised In:


Written by

Write an Entry

"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."

Write an entry
Read more