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Item: Element
1982
Installation, 2 x (44 x 31.5 x 1 cm).
Materials: iron, copper
Collection: Museum Ostwall im Dortmunder U, Dortmund, Germany.
This pair of notched, rectangular, identical in size and shape metal plates (one copper, one iron) embodies the concept of ‘the element’. Beuys used this to describe the merger of opposing qualities within a larger, more balanced whole. The two parts can combine to form a third. The new element conjoins the qualities of each of the individual plates. Copper holding more female characteristics, such as intuition, flexibility and creativity, and iron being associated with male features such as inflexible and rational forms of experience. Through his work Beuys attempted to unite the strengths of both genders in a balanced and superior conjunction of opposites, a holistic unity.
Edition: 50 + 10 + 4 a.p., signed, numbered and titled
Edizioni Factotum-Art, Verona
