1. Conceptual Art

2. Sol LeWitt and Instruction-based Art
MoMA Learning Conceptual Art Theme

3. “The idea becomes a machine that makes the art.”
– Sol LeWitt
Share this information with your students:
In “Paragraphs on Conceptual Art” LeWitt wrote, “The idea becomes a machine that makes the art.” What do you think the artist meant by this statement?
Sol LeWitt. Untitled from Squares with a Different Line Direction in Each Half Square
One from a portfolio of ten etchings, plate: 7 5/16 x 7 5/16" (18.6 x 18.6 cm); sheet: 14 1/2 x 14 1/2" (36.8 x 36.8 cm).
Gift of the artist, Parasol Press, and the Wadsworth Atheneum
Sol LeWitt. Untitled from Squares with a Different Line Direction in Each Half Square
MoMA Learning Conceptual Art Theme

4. Share this information with your students:
Untitled from Squares with a Different Line Direction in Each Half Square was made using sets of instructions, or what LeWitt called “operational diagrams” for others to follow. According to LeWitt, if his instructions were carried out, then he was satisfied with the result.
Sol LeWitt. Untitled from Squares with a Different Line Direction in Each Half Square
One from a portfolio of ten etchings, plate: 7 5/16 x 7 5/16" (18.6 x 18.6 cm); sheet: 14 1/2 x 14 1/2" (36.8 x 36.8 cm).
Gift of the artist, Parasol Press, and the Wadsworth Atheneum
Sol LeWitt. Untitled from Squares with a Different Line Direction in Each Half Square
MoMA Learning Conceptual Art Theme