Breaking the Frame: Conceptual Art

What if the idea is the artwork? That's the provocative question at the heart of Conceptual Art — and in this lecture, Dr. Terryl Lawrence will guide you through one of the most thought-provoking movements in modern art history.
Conceptual Art formally emerged in the 1960s, prioritizing the artist's idea over traditional notions of craftsmanship or form. But its roots go back further — to Marcel Duchamp, who transformed an ordinary urinal into an artwork simply by repositioning it, and René Magritte, whose famous "This is not a pipe" invited viewers to question representation itself. Dr. Lawrence will trace these foundational examples through to the movement's key artists and themes, revealing how Conceptual Art reshaped creative practice and continues to influence how artists think, create, and communicate today.
Each lecture concludes with a visit to Modernisms: Art from the Manes Collection for a focused look at a related artwork in the galleries. Coffee and pastries provided by the Muse Café.
Part of the summer lecture series Breaking the Frame: Reflecting on Modern Art.
Friday, July 24, 2026

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Boca Raton Museum of Art | 501 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432
Members (Adult): $30

Non-Members (Adult): $50

Non-Members (Senior 65+): $40
Member discounts apply at checkout with a valid login.