Joseph Kosuth, born on January 31, 1945, in Toledo, Ohio, is an American conceptual artist renowned for his explorations into the nature of art and language. He studied at the Toledo Museum School of Design and the Cleveland Institute of Art before moving to New York in 1965 to attend the School of Visual Arts.
In the mid-1960s, Kosuth emerged as a pivotal figure in conceptual art, challenging traditional notions by emphasizing ideas over aesthetic form. His seminal work, "One and Three Chairs" (1965), juxtaposes a physical chair, a photograph of the chair, and a dictionary definition of "chair," prompting viewers to contemplate the relationships between objects, images, and language.
Throughout his career, Kosuth has delved into the philosophy of language, often employing text and neon lighting in his installations to question meaning and perception. His contributions have been showcased in numerous international exhibitions, including multiple editions of Documenta and the Venice Biennale. His works are part of esteemed collections such as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Tate Modern in London, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Kosuth has also held teaching positions at institutions like the School of Visual Arts in New York and the Kunstakademie Munich, influencing generations of artists and thinkers. His ongoing inquiry into art's conceptual underpinnings continues to shape contemporary discourse.