Art & Language is an influential conceptual art collective founded in the late 1960s in the United Kingdom. The group emerged as a reaction against the traditional forms and hierarchies of the art world, challenging the conventional notions of art-making and authorship. The founding members, including Michael Baldwin, Terry Atkinson, David Bainbridge, and Harold Hurrell, sought to merge the disciplines of art and language, emphasizing the role of theoretical discourse in the creation and understanding of art.
Central to Art & Language's practice is their engagement with text and philosophy. Their works often incorporate written language, reflecting a deep interest in how art can be a medium for critical thought and intellectual inquiry. This approach is exemplified in their seminal publication, the "Art-Language" journal, first issued in 1969. The journal became a platform for the group's ideas, featuring essays, dialogues, and works that interrogate the nature of art, the role of the artist, and the relationship between language and visual experience.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Art & Language expanded its membership and influence, with key figures like Mel Ramsden and Ian Burn joining the collective. Their collaborative projects often blurred the lines between authorship and collective creativity, questioning the individualistic ethos prevalent in the art world. Their work spans various media, including painting, installation, and performance, always rooted in a conceptual framework that invites viewers to engage with complex theoretical issues.
Art & Language's impact on the conceptual art movement is profound, as they have continually pushed the boundaries of what art can be and how it can function within society. Their practice is characterized by a rigorous questioning of artistic conventions and a commitment to intellectual rigor. Over the decades, the collective has maintained a dynamic and evolving practice, influencing generations of artists and thinkers. Today, the work of Art & Language is featured in major exhibitions and collections worldwide.