Art as Idea as Idea – a simple yet far-reaching formula developed by Joseph Kosuth (*1945) in the 1960s, which would define his artistic path from then on. Kosuth is considered a significant representative of American Conceptual Art. In this art movement, the idea behind a work of art is central. Words and language serve primarily as artistic means.
Stuttgart became an important stage for Joseph Kosuth in the 1980s and 1990s. He presented numerous exhibitions in the city, and from 1991 to 1997, he taught at the State Academy of Fine Arts. The Kunstmuseum Stuttgart owns an outstanding collection of Kosuth's works—the largest in Germany. To mark his 80th birthday, the Kunstmuseum is presenting a room curated by the artist and director Ulrike Groos, featuring all the works from the collection.