CultureAugust 14, 2026

conceptualists

kuhn-SEP-choo-uh-lists

Definition

Artists who prioritize the ideas, theories, or intellectual concepts behind their work over traditional aesthetic or material concerns.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'conceptus' (a gathering, conceit, or thought), the suffix '-ist' denotes a person who practices or adheres to a specific doctrine or movement.

In the news

The article uses this term to categorize Jeff Wall and his peers, suggesting their focus on intellectual, staged narratives often leaves the author feeling emotionally detached.

Wrestling with a Titan of the Vancouver School

Read the full article ↗

The Tyee

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.