Definition & Meaning of "conceptual art"

What is "conceptual art"?

Conceptual art is an art movement that began in the 1960s, focusing on the idea or concept behind the artwork rather than the final visual product. This style often uses simple materials and can include text, photographs, or setups to express its ideas. Artists like Sol LeWitt and Joseph Kosuth emphasized that the value of the art is in the concept or message rather than its appearance. The movement challenges traditional views of art by making the idea the main part, often making the physical artwork less important.