Conceptual Artists

Fountain, a well-known piece created by Marcel Duchamp, is known as one of the benchmark pieces of commissioned conceptual art in the early 20th century. Although controversial, Duchamp displayed the main goal of conceptualism: a piece that expresses a view regardless of it's aesthetics. Most of Duchamp's work consists of 'ready made' pieces that required little or no additional work from the artist. Museums first rejected Duchamp's piece as a work of art. In doing so, this piece was vandalized on several occasions. Duchamps work was urinated on and struck with a hammer in a Nimes show by Pinoncelli, 77. When asked for the reason, Pinoncelli claimed it was a contribution to Duchamp according to The Hamilton Spectator (2006). Although Duchamp experienced vandalism and rejection of his work, he still strives to make a statement through his art.

Barbara Kruger was also very influential during time of conceptual art. Her work consisted of “paste-ups” similar to editorial designs of yesteryear according to Burton (2009). Like the Gorilla Girls, Kruger's work consists of work exemplifies the feminist recuperation during the conceptual period. "Ms. Kruger may be trying to counter the argument that political art preaches to the converted by providing the converted with a visceral," Smith 1994. Kruger's work is exhibited not only in museums but also as installations, billboards, and several other public places around the world. As with other conceptual artists, Krueger believe aesthetics are the least important part of her work. "Although my art work was heavily informed by my design work on a formal and visual level, as regards meaning and content the two practices parted ways," Barbara Krueger.