Conceptual art definition

A type of art in which the concept or idea of the work is the essential element regarding the overall message and assessment of the work.  It is the idea behind the work that is considered important, and all the planning and decisions regarding the work stem from the initial idea.  Marcel Duchamp, a French artist, is credited with showing conceptualists examples of conceptual works, such as his piece called, "Fountain" in 1917.