I like Conceptual Art for the mere fact, it makes you think. Like in a David Lynch film, there is only the basic outline of a plot; the conclusion is up to the viewer. The genre can manifest in many different forms – not only painting, but photography, music and installments of objects in a gallery.

John Lennon and Yoko Ono

While she is best known as the widow of John Lennon, Yoko Ono rose to great prominence in the 1960s as a conceptual artist. One of Ono’s most popular pieces was a step ladder that led up to a spyglass hanging from the ceiling. When someone reached the top and looked at the ceiling through the spyglass, the word “Yes” appeared in small letters.

Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2, 1912 by Marcel Duchamp

While conceptual art was a popular movement during the swinging 60s, the roots of the style date back to the early 20TH century. Credited for getting the ball rolling was French artist Marcel Duchamp whose seminal piece, “Fountain” in 1917, which was simply a photograph of a urinal basin signed by Duchamp, was rejected by the Society of Independent Artists in New York. This ultimately turned out to be a catalyst piece for many aspiring conceptual artists.

Here are some examples of conceptual prints & posters by some fresh faces carrying on in the tradition of  Marcel Duchamp and Yoko Ono.

Home by Lisa Kimberly

Lisa Kimberly works amazing magic through her lenses and is highly skilled at photo manipulation.

Mandala - Survivor by Jan Whittle

Comfortable working in abstract impressionism, conceptual, and photography, Jan Whittle is as versatile as she is talented.

A little desolation by Marilyn Bouchand

For Canadian artist and photographer Marilyn Bouchand, inspiration comes from the natural beauty of nature itself as she combines art with photographs for an unexpected  visual treat.

Queen of Trash by Laura Ferreira

Specializing in fashion, surrealism, and portraiture, photographer and artist Laura Ferreira creates work with complex simplification which is open to interpretation.

Green (Eyed) Monster by Anna Theodora

While  much of her self-portrait work is flattering, Anna Theodora isn’t afraid to push the boundaries.

Untitled by Sarolta Bán

A true conceptual artist, Sarolta Bán forces  the viewer examine and conclude.

UncleSam's info highway by Mike Cressy

While his work is fun, Mike Cressy is a serious artist who works in many different genres.

Nailed by Andreas Stridsberg

Since 2004,  photographer Andreas Stridsberg has been snapping his way into IKEA showrooms while winning contest, including Digital Photographer of the Year in 2007.

The Rebel by Ashanti LeShelle

Ashanti LeShelle has a knack for creating hauntingly arresting images through photo manipulation.

Red Autumn - Self Portrait by Jaeda DeWalt

Self portraits can be tricky, but Jaeda DeWalt‘s images of herself are gorgeously executed and are arrestingly beautiful.

Lay Back and Dream by Dylan Murphy

As a 23 year old photographer, Dylan  Murphy is showing early signs of maturity through the lenses of his camera.

Forlorn by Stella Lazzaro

While her images are exceedingly dark in nature, Stella Lazzaro’s crepuscular photograghs are beautifully bewitching.

Andy Warhol is still inspiring artist to follow in his footsteps 23 years after his death. You need proof?  Take James Franco – yes the actor from Spiderman, Pineapple Express and the new film Eat Pray Love. Franco began painting while in high school as an outlet for his creativity.  His first public showing was in 2006 at the Glü Gallery in Los Angeles. But his acting roles put him in the spotlight and he has no intention of letting that fade.

Marilyn On Hot Pink

The self-described conceptual artist will talk about his latest gallery show in the September issue of Esquire – stay tuned. But like Warhol, Franco desires an all encompassing media frenzy and wants no stone left unturned and is attempting to merge Hollywood and the art world.

Here are just a few examples:

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