This guide to conceptual art traces the issues and concerns of the first generation of artists involved in the foundation of the movement, with an essay exploring the historical basis of conceptual art, its relationship to the dominant aesthetics of the 1960s, namely the modernist theory of Clement Greenberg and his disciples, and the influence of conceptual art on today's art and cultural climate. Artists featured include: Vito Acconci, Art & Language, John Baldessari, Robert Barry, Mel Bochner, Marcel Broodthaers, Stanley Brouwn, Daniel Buren, Victor Burgin, Hanne Darboven, Jan Dibbets, Marcel Duchamp, Gilbert & George, Dan Graham, Hans Haacke, Jenny Holzer, Douglas Huebler, On Kawara, Joseph Kosuth, Louise Lawler, Sol LeWitt, Gordon Matta-Clark, Ana Mendieta, Bruce Nauman, Adrian Piper, Edward Ruscha, Lawrence Weiner, Ian Wilson. Taschen's Basic Art movement and genre series: each book includes a detailed introduction with approximately 30 photographs, plus a timeline of the most important events (political, cultural, scientific, sporting, etc.) that took place during the time period.
The body of the book contains a selection of the most important works of the epoch; each is presented on a 2-page spread with a full-page image and, on the facing page, a description/interpretation of the work, a reference work, portrait of the artist, quotes, and biographical information.