Joseph Beuys
©SABAM België, 2017 - photo: Lothar Wolleh, CC-BY-SA-3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
1921 - 1986
Born in Krefeld (DE), died in Düsseldorf (DE).
Joseph Beuys: controversial war artist
German artist Joseph Heinrich Beuys (Krefeld, 1921 - Düsseldorf, 1986) grew up as a child with unusual musical talent; the cello and piano were his most cherished companions. At age 15, in 1936, Beuys became a cellist in the Hitler Youth Orchestra. After the war, he hoped to pursue an art career and studied from 1946 to 1951 at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. As a visual artist, Beuys creates furore with socio-politically inspired installations, plastic objects, drawings, and performances. He taught at the Düsseldorf Academy and is considered one of the most influential German artists of his generation...and one of the most controversial.
In World War II, Beuys was a ‘marconist’ (a telegraph operator) in a Stuka dive bomber. However, his aircraft was shot down during a mission over Crimea. He survived, and Tartars discovered him suffering from hypothermia and comatose under the plane’s wreckage. They rubbed animal fat into his body and wrapped him in felt to keep him warm. Eventually, Beuys awoke from his coma in a German field hospital. Every aspect of this incident was a prelude to the evolution of his art in the postwar years. Beuys’ international trademark, the felt fedora, covers the silver plate inserted in his skull after the accident. This personal myth greatly influenced his later work, characterised by unusual materials (felt, fat, tea, etc.) and contradictory content that clearly refers to the contrasts between East and West, rich and poor, prisoner and free. In his iconic performance, I Like America and America Likes Me, in which he lives for three days with a coyote, wrapped in felt and carrying a shepherd’s crook, he also seems, among others, to allude to his stay with the nomadic Tatars. He teases that fear for the other in a shamanic healing ritual that symbolised his opposition to the Vietnam War. The title is also reminiscent of the 7UP soft drink commercial.
But his piece Wirtschaftswerte (‘economic values’) captures the spirit of his oeuvre. It consists of a series of metal shelves displaying food products from the former GDR, surrounded by 19th-century paintings and accompanied by a block of plaster. This arrangement confronts the historical division between communist East Germany and capitalist West Germany. The faded-out colours of the frayed communist packaging contrast sharply with the garish packaging of the West, while the bourgeois paintings only reinforce the divide between the ‘rich’ West and the ‘poor’ East. The artist greased up the huge plaster block (symbolic of rational thought) with a layer of softened butter.
In the late 1960s, Joseph Beuys was particularly active in Antwerp, where he assisted Anny De Decker and Bernd Lohaus in developing their avant-garde Wide White Space Gallery. He also developed a special rapport with Panamarenko, who always considered him an artistic supporter. Both were devoted to demolishing borders and giving art free rein. Beuys used to make statements like ‘thought is a form of plastic art’ and ‘art is a science of freedom’.
Even as professor at the academy, this freethinker was unwilling to abstain from his responsibility. He poured inordinate amounts of time and energy into explaining his ideas and critiquing his students’ works. He wanted to empower them to succeed as independent artists. However, in 1972, the Minister of Education summarily dismissed Beuys because he refused to respect the admission ban on new students. Consequently, the exiled professor stubbornly proceeded to hold class on the lawn in the park next to the academy. His dismissal led to a legal battle that the artist ultimately won. Beuys was reinstated and allowed to retain his title and his classroom at the academy.
>Joseph Beuys, Aus dem Leben der Bienen, 1950-1980.Print, lithography; ink on graphic paper, 56 x 76 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Berg in Slowenien, 1951-1954.Drawing, pencil on handmade paper, edges regularly torn, 31.6 x 31.9 cm / 50 x 53 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Schwäne, 1953.Drawing, watercolour; pencil on paper, 25.4 x 37.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Schädel auf Urschlitten, 1954.Drawing, pencil, watercolour, cardboard, 26 x 39.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Nein/Sicher, 1956-1866.Drawing, pencil on paper, 28 x 41 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Grab des Dschingis, 1957.Object, oil paint, tempera, gold bronze, wax on cardboard box, nails, brown-stained wooden board, 36 x 34.5 x 1.2 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Dschingis Khan's Tochter, 1958.Print, offset, paper, 30.5 x 30 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Hirschdenkmäler, 1958-1982.Installation, mixed media, variable dimensions .
>Joseph Beuys, Untitled, 1959.Drawing, pencil, cardboard, 20.5 x 26.6 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Batterien, 1959.Object, pencil and tempera pain on cardboard, laid on butter paper, 65 x 18.2 cm / 70 x 50.6 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Joyce, 1961.Mixed Media, paint on cardboard, wire, 45 x 65 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Verlassener Druidentempel, 1962.Object, oil on plywood, 64.2 x 93.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Demonstration für Lohaus, 1962.Collage, pencil, oil colour, water colour, gold colour on paper, adhesive edges, paper, 22 x 15.4 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Batterie, 1963.Object, oil paint (brown cross) on corrugated cardboard, cord, leather, 27.5 x 11.3 x 6 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Das Schweigen von Marcel Duchamp wird überbewertet, 1964.Mixed Media, two brushes, wood, aluminium foil, paint, 4 x 29.5 x 4 cm, 3 x 27 x 3 cm .
>Joseph Beuys, Mit Filzfettecke, 1965.Object, soap bar, paint, black and white photograph, 10.5 x 14.7 x 1 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Drei teilen des Aktionssockels, 24 Stunden, 1965.Installation, orange box, glass bottle, plastic, adhesive tape, variable dimensions .
>Joseph Beuys, Infiltration homogen für Konzertflügel, 1966.Installation, grand piano, grey felt, cross in red fabric, 100 x 152 x 240 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Zwei Fraulein mit leuchtenden Brot, 1966.Object, cardboard, paper, chocolate with oil colour, 72 x 20 x 1.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Eurasienstab, 1968.Video, video, 00:21:16.
>Joseph Beuys, Eurasienstab, 1968.Poster, ink on paper, 15 x 15 x 25 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Intuition, 1968.Object, wooden box, pencil (signed), 30 x 20 x 6 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Eurasienstab, 1968-1969.Sculpture, wood, copper, 410 x 180 x 130 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Evervess II, 1968.Multiple, wooden box, glass bottles, 27 x 16.5 x 9.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Erdtelephon (Earth Telephone), 1968.Mixed Media, telephone, cords, clump of earth with grass on wooden board, 20 x 79 x 57 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Schlitten, 1969.Object, wooden sled, felt, belts, flashlight, fat and rope, 36 x 91 x 34 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Ich Versuche dich freizulassen-machen, 1969-1970.Object, tape recorder, 21 x 16.8 x 6 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Eine Partei für Tiere, 1969.Mixed Media, offset; stamped with handwritten text, 67 x 37 x 3.7 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Transsibirische Bahn, 1970.Video, music video, 00:22:00.
>Joseph Beuys, Mit Schwefel überzogene Zinkkiste (tamponierte Ecke), 1970.Multiple, a: zinc plate, sulphur, gauze, stamped; b: unprocessed zinkkiste, stamped, 2 x (64 x 31 x 18 cm).
>Joseph Beuys, Transsibirische Bahn, 1970.Poster, ink, paper, 80 x 58 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Filzanzug, 1970.Installation, felt suit, wood hanger, 170 x 60 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Ja, Ja, Ja, Ja, Nee, Nee, Nee, Nee, 1970.Multiple, felt, tape recording, 15 x 15 x 25 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Eurasienstab über den Alpen, 1971.Miscellaneum, ink on paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Schautafeln für den Unterricht I und II, 1971.Print, offset on cardboard, zinc, sulphur, 2 x (83 x 104 cm).
>Joseph Beuys, So kann die Parteiendiktatur überwinden werden, 1971.Object, felt, plastic, printed plastic bag, 76 x 51.5 x 9.2 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Voglie vedere i miei montagne, 1971.Installation, copper, felt, black-and-white picture, various objects, 460 x 585 x 788 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, A comparison of two types of society, 1972.Poster, folded poster.
>Joseph Beuys, Rückenstütze eines feingliederigen Menschen (Hasentypus) aus dem 20. Jh. p. Chr., 1972.Multiple, iron, 15 x 96 x 43 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Silberbesen und Besen ohne Haare, 1972.Multiple, horsehair, wood, silver, copper, felt, 139 x 51 cm, 130 x 51 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Uberwindet endlich die Parteiendiktatur (Rettet den Wald), 1972.Print, serigraphy; ink on paper, 49.4 x 50 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Schottische Symphonie / Requiem for Art, 1973.Audio and visual equipment, vinyl lp, 00:12:00, 31.3 x 31.3 cm (cover).
>Joseph Beuys, Demokratie ist lustig, 1973.Other, ink, paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Print from the action Eurasienstab, 1973.Print, serigraphy; paint, paper, 79.4 x 53 cm / 90 x 63 cm (framed).
>Joseph Beuys, Rose für Direkte Demokratie, 1973.Multiple, graduated glass cylinder, with inscription, 33.5 x ø 5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, COYOTE – I Like America and America Likes Me, 1974.Other.
>Joseph Beuys, Das halbe Filzkreuz über Köln, 1974.Miscellaneum, postcards; ink on paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Zwei Fluxus-Objecte, 1974.Object, two tin cans, brown paint, string, paper flag, green gerabte violin, audio tape, vynil notebook, variable dimensions.
>Joseph Beuys, Honigpumpe am Arbeitsplatz, 1974-1977.Installation, electric motors, painted and unpainted metal, plastic tubes, glass, electronics and honey, variable dimensions .
>Joseph Beuys, Une comparaison entre deux structures sociales, 1975.Object, plastic bag, documents, 41 x 29 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Fond IV/4, 1975.Object, copper plate, 4 black and white photographs, 48.5 x 68 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Boter en bijenwas Grondstofmateriaal 4/bis, 1975-1986.Installation, mixed media, 190 x 153.5 x 73.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Aus Rheinische Bienenzeitung, 1975.Multiple, offset; ink on cardboard, 23.5 x 33 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Mirror Piece, 1975.Object, glass bottle, cardboard box, 19.5 x Ø 10.5 cm, 23 x Ø 14.7 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Bruno Corà-Tee, 1975.Object, coca-cola glass bottle, 28.5 x ø 5.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Magnetischer Abfall, 1975.Sculpture, steel, razor blade, 10.5 x 14.7 x 1 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Een vergelijking tussen twee maatschappelijke strukturen, 1976.Other, print on plastic bag and documents, 40 x 33 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, 1 Wirtschaftswert (Sichel), 1976-1984.Object, sickel, 21 x 36.5 x 2.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, 1 Wirtschaftswert (Hammer), 1976-1984.Object, hammer, 2.7 x 32 x 11.2 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Aufruf zur Alternative, 1978.Leaflet, poster, signed, fui stamp, ink on paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Von Gloeden Postcards, 1978.Miscellaneum, postcards; ink on paper, 9 x (9 x 14 cm).
>Joseph Beuys, Discussione con Beuys, 1978, 1978.Poster, ink on paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Action Third Way, 1978.Mixed Media, chalk, blackboard, walking stick, 3 x (132 x 132 cm).
>Joseph Beuys, Kunst = Kapital, 1979-1984.Assemblage, object with fire extinguisher, 116 x 74 x 25 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Andy Warhol. Für die Grünen, 1979.Print, offset; ink on paper, 108 x 78.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Gib mir Honig, 1979.Sculpture, mixed media, 10 x 9 x 9 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Joseph Beuys, "Unternehmensverband. Aufruf zur Alternative A3W FIU", 1980.Book, paper, ink, 24.2 x 16.3 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Aufruf zur Alternative / A3W FIU, 1980.Other, ink, paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Joseph Beuys Postkarten, 1980.Miscellaneum, postcards; ink on paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Zelt und Lichstrahl, 1980.Print, aquatint lithography;ink on paper, 20.5 x 14.5 cm / 32 x 24.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Grond, 1980-1981.Installation, copper, wood, iron, 4 x (220 x 160 x 220 cm).
>Nicolás Uriburu, Joseph Beuys, Rhein Water Poluted (sic), 1981.Object, fles met gekleurd rijnwater , 28 x ⌀ 7.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Polentransport, 1981.Installation, wood, wrapping paper, 48.4 x 157.4 x 108.4 cm.
>Nicolás Uriburu, Joseph Beuys, 7000 eiken (Beuys & Uriburu), 1982.Miscellaneum, papier, 10,5 x 14,9 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Sonne statt Reagan, 1982.Video, music video, 00:03:03.
>Joseph Beuys, Kunst = Kapital, 1982.Poster, ink on paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Element, 1982.Installation, iron, copper, 2 x (44 x 31.5 x 1 cm).
>Joseph Beuys, Samurai Schwert [Samurai Sword], 1983.Multiple, multiple of felt and steel, 9 x 54 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Die Haut, 1984.Installation, felt cover of "infiltration homogen für konzertflügel"; a cross of red cloth, felt, tissue, 100 x 152 x 240 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Capri-Batterie, 1985.Installation, objet trouve, lemon, light bulb, plug socket, 11 x 8 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Joseph Beuys 'Eurasienstab', 1987.Book, ink on paper, 30.3 x 21.4 cm, 92 p, language : German, French, Dutch, publisher : Galerie Anny De Decker, Antwerpen, ISBN : 90-6848-004-9.
>Joseph Beuys, Joseph Beuys - Groeten van de Euraziaat, 2017.Book, ink, paper, 28.6 x 20 cm, 47 p., language : Dutch, publisher : Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen/Koenig Books London, ISBN : 978-3-96098-265-4.
>Joseph Beuys, Joseph Beuys - Greetings from the Eurasian, 2017.Book, ink, paper, 28.6 x 20 cm, 141 p., language : English, publisher : Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen/Koenig Books London, ISBN : 978-3-96098-264-7.
>Joseph Beuys, Marcel Broodthaers, James Lee Byars, Beuys 2017 - Broodthaers 2018 - Byars 2019 in Antwerpen (Over drie komende tentoonstellingen in M HKA - Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst Antwerpen, 2017.Book, ink, paper, 28.7 x 20.1 cm, 27 p., language : English, publisher : M HKA Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst, Antwerpen, ISBN : 978-907-282-8569.
>Joseph Beuys, The Orwell Leg – Trousers for the 21st Century.Multiple, multiple of denim jeans with holes cut in the knees.
>Joseph Beuys, Untitled.Drawing, pencil, paper, 20.9 x 14.5 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Portrait.Print, ink on paper, 10 x 15 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Free International University. Durch Menschen ....Poster, ink on paper.
>Joseph Beuys, Bei dieser Wahl: die Grünen.Poster, ink, paper, 4 x (88 x 63 cm.
>Joseph Beuys, Cosmas und Damian.Assemblage, photo, cardboard, 4 x (44.5 x 34.7 cm) / 4 x (73 x 60.5 x 33 cm) (framed).
>Joseph Beuys, Eurasienstab, 82 min fluxorum organum.Film, 00:21:49.
Exhibitions & Ensembles
> Exhibition: EURASIA − A Landscape of Mutability. 08 October 2021 - 23 January 2022.
> Exhibition: Eurasienstab, 82 min fluxorum organum. 09 February 1968.
> Exhibition: INBOX: Joyce in Art. 15 June 2018 - 01 July 2018.
> Exhibition: James Lee Byars: The Perfect Kiss. 05 October 2018 - 20 January 2019.
> Exhibition: Joseph Beuys – Greetings from the Eurasian. 13 October 2017 - 21 January 2018.
> Exhibition: MONOCULTURE | A Recent History. 25 September 2020 - 25 April 2021.
> Exhibition: Museum in Motion. 16 September 2022 - 08 January 2023.
> Exhibition: Museum in Motion - Nicolas Uriburu. 16 September 2022 - 08 January 2023.
> Ensemble: Actie / Action / Action / Aktion.
> Ensemble: Anti - Modern / Anti - Moderne / Anti - Modern / Anti - Modern.
> Ensemble: Antwerpen / Anvers / Antwerp / Antwerpen.
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> Ensemble: Boeken & Catalogi [Books & Catalogues].
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> Ensemble: CAPITALISM.
> Ensemble: Chapter 5: Beuys and Goethe, 1969–1986, Düsseldorf-Kassel-Berlin / Hoofdstuk 5: Beuys en Goethe / Chapitre 5: Beuys et Goethe.
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> Ensemble: CULTURE WARS.
> Ensemble: Dieren / Animaux / Animals / Tiere.
> Ensemble: Energie / Énergie / Energy / Energie.
> Ensemble: Fluxus / Fluxus / Fluxus / Fluxus.
> Ensemble: Free International University (FIU).
> Ensemble: Het Transcendente [The Transcendental].
> Ensemble: Joseph Beuys' Eurasia.
> Ensemble: Materiaal / Matériel / Material / Material.
> Ensemble: M HKA_DEFAULT_PUBLICATIONS.
> Ensemble: MONOCULTURE – ARTEFACTS.
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> Ensemble: MONOCULTURE - ARTWORKS.
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> Ensemble: NATION.
> Ensemble: Natuur / Nature / Nature / Natur.
> Ensemble: Politiek / Politics / Politique / Politik.
> Ensemble: Tekenen / Drawing / Dessins / Zeichnen.