Lawrence Weiner was an American artist born in 1942, in the Bronx, New York. He is best known for his contributions to the conceptual art movement, a genre that emerged in the 1960s and focused on the idea behind the artwork rather than the physical object. Weiner's work often involves the use of language as a medium, and he is considered a pioneer in the use of text-based art.

Weiner's early career was influenced by his work as a mover and his exposure to the diverse neighborhoods of New York City. In the 1960s, he became associated with the Fluxus movement and began experimenting with the use of language in art. One of his significant contributions during this period was the formulation of his famous statement: "The artist may construct the piece. The piece may be fabricated. The piece need not be built." This statement encapsulates his emphasis on the conceptual aspect of art, where the idea itself is the artwork, and it can be realized in various forms.

Weiner's work often takes the form of installations, sculptures, and public art projects, all incorporating language as a central element.

Throughout his career, Lawrence Weiner has created works that challenged traditional notions of art and engaged viewers in a thoughtful exploration of language and meaning.

His works are featured in renowned institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Tate Modern in London, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.