This book investigates the radical shift in art production and reception during a pivotal period of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Lucy R. Lippard, a renowned critic and curator, explores the dematerialization of the art object, a phenomenon where the idea or concept behind the artwork became more important than its physical form. The book draws on essays, manifestos, and critical analyses from artists and thinkers of the era to chart this significant transformation in the art world, examining its impact on artistic practice and critical discourse.

This collection is widely recognized for its foundational role in defining and understanding the conceptual art movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Critics have noted its significant influence on subsequent generations of artists and art historians, particularly in relation to postmodernism. The book is valued as a teaching resource for its comprehensive overview and insightful analysis of a transformative period in art history. Its republication ensures continued access to these seminal texts and ideas for scholars and enthusiasts alike.