Conceptual Art
A clear, extensive, concise and informative account of this fascinating phenomenon.
Tony Godfrey
- A clear and engaging account of art where the idea behind the work is as important as, if not more than, its physical existence
- The first truly international account of Conceptual art, considering works from as far afield as Japan and Argentina, as well as the more well-known locations of Europe and America
- Covers the many forms of Conceptual art: photographs, videos, posters, billboards, charts, plans and even language itself
- Traces its origins to the anti-art gestures of Dada, as well as considering how artists have continued to adapt Conceptual strategies up to the present day
Paperback
160 x 220 mm, 6 1/4 x 8 3/4 in
448 pp
171 colour illustrations
85 black and white illustrations
ISBN 9780714833880
0714833886
What is art? Must it be a unique, saleable luxury item? Can it be a concept that never takes material form? Or an idea for a work that can be repeated endlessly?
Conceptual art favours a vivid engagement with such questions. It can take many forms: photographs, videos, posters, billboards, charts, plans and, in particular, language itself. Tony Godfrey has written the first ever clear, extensive, concise and informative account of this fascinating phenomenon.
Tony Godfrey is Programme Director of the MA in Contemporary Art at Sotheby's Institute, London. His books include New Image Painting in the 1980s and Drawing Today.
'Tony Godfrey's book is the intelligent, well argued, comprehensive and beautifully presented survey of Conceptual art we have been waiting on for years. It is both accessible and easily readable while at the same time conceding little intellectual high ground. This is an exquisitely designed paperback which both looks and feels the business. Buy it, steal it, or get your local library to buy it. This is that rare thing - an indispensable classic that is a must for anyone interested in understanding the roots of contemporary art.' (Contemporary Visual Arts)
'Art & Ideas has broken new ground in making accessible authoritative views on periods, movements and concepts in art. As a series it represents a real advance in publishing.' (Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate London)
'The format is wonderful and offers what had long been missing in academic studies: usable manuals for specific themes or periods...I am definitely not alone in welcoming Art & Ideas as a precious set of teaching tools.' (Joachim Pissarro, Yale University)
'Authoritative'(Christie’s Books)
'More than just a compilation of sources, documents, and images … Osborne offers an original, challenging, reinterpretation of Conceptual Art … a solid contribution to the burgeoning re-examination of Conceptual Art.' (Barry Schwabsky, BookForum)