During the Exhibition the Gallery Will Be Closed

by Camiel Van Winkel

In this collection of essays, Amsterdam art historian and critic Camiel van Winkel digs up the conceptual roots of contemporary art, design and photography to argue that the art of today is, as a whole, “post-conceptual.” Focusing on the conceptual artists of the years 1965–1975, van Winkel examines how the art of that era continues to inform the art world today. Highly polemical and very readable, During the Exhibition the Gallery Will Be Closed looks at the cultural dominance of information in art discourse, the professionalization of artistic practices, the debate over “good design” in art and the role institutions play in art theory. It is an essential collection for any understanding of that idea, belief and desire we today call “the artist.”

Genres: Art

304 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[oskar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a joy to read this profound introduction to and nuanced analysis of conceptual art, its contradictions and legacy. A compelling and refreshing take on the art movement, crucial to understand the post-conceptual condition of contemporary art. Hats off as well for the impeccable design of the book compiling these essays.