Lawrence Weiner (1942-2021) was a leading American conceptual artist, known for his subversive deconstructions of object and language structures. Though his writing was often evocative of conceivable action and material, Weiner was of the belief that the imagined gesture alone could constitute a fully realized artwork.

Early on a model was formulated with the aid of Seth Siegelaub and Robert Projanksy which allowed for the sale of Weiner’s concepts, with the new legal owner able to realize the concept however they saw fit. Weiner’s practice can be summarized by the contents of his Declaration of Intent (1968): “The artist may construct the piece; the piece may be fabricated; the piece need not be built; each being equal and consistent with the intent of the artist the decision as to condition rests with the receiver upon the occasion of receivership”