ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Lawrence Weiner's Conceptual Challenge to the Art Market

opinion-review · 2026-04-24

For years, Lawrence Weiner has consistently allowed the exhibition of the concept in place of the artwork. This practice serves as a critique of the art market's fetishization of objects, a stance that remains relevant as the market heats up.

Key facts

  • Lawrence Weiner authorizes the exhibition of the concept instead of the artwork.
  • This practice has been ongoing for many years.
  • It is a denunciation of the cult of the art object.
  • The art market is currently accelerating.
  • Weiner's critique remains timely.
  • The article is from artpress, July 1987.
  • The original French title is 'Lawrence Weiner, les mobiles du concept'.
  • Weiner's approach is described as imperturbable.

Entities

Artists

  • Lawrence Weiner

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources