Ensemble

Joseph Beuys’ practice can be described as being actions, whether artistic, social or political. Inspired by his contacts with the Fluxus movement, Beuys made many performances. The artist was convinced he could connect with the public through his so-called Aktionen. These actions where often of a mystical nature and included powerful symbols of things such as transformation, death and travel. During his performances, the artist used and interacted with various objects and materials, the remnants of which would become artworks in their own right. His drawings might for example be considered as being about action rather than purely pictorial. With his political activities and his expanded notion of art, Beuys also saw lectures, demonstrations and discussions as being part of his actions.