Lawrence Weiner (1942–2021, b. The Bronx, NY) was a seminal figure in the Conceptual art movement of the late 1960s. His importance lies in his radical rethinking of sculpture and art itself—proposing that ideas and language could be considered works of art; he believed that the idea (or concept) is more important than the object itself. Rather than a passive spectator, the viewer must be an active participant in the creation of the work. Weiner believed that art should be accessible, reproducible, and socially engaged and therefore located works like posters, books, and manhole covers in the public sphere to reach a wider audience.
Weiner’s solo exhibitions have taken place at the Holstebro Kunstmuseum, Denmark (2021); Milwaukee Art Museum, WI (2017); Kunsthaus Bregenz, Austria (2016); South London Gallery, UK (2014); Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona, Spain (2013); the Jewish Museum, New York City (2012) and the Whitney Museum, New York City (2007, travelled to MoCA, Los Angeles, and K21 Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, Düsseldorf (2008–09). He lived and worked in New York City and Amsterdam.
