Joseph Beuys

Born 1921 in Krefeld, Germany, died 1986 in Düsseldorf.

Inspired by sculpturing Beuys took up art studies after the Second World War. Showing great talent the young artist developed quickly, to have his first solo exhibition even before having graduated.

He later became professor for sculpturing at a German art academy – though his style and ways had nothing to do with a common sculptor, particularly not one in a teaching position of those days.

Mainly using materials such as felt, fat or honey he did not just stick to sculpturing but drew, wrote and tried all kinds of installations.

Though often referred to as one of the most important post war artists he, however, was considered quite controversial due to his way of defining and living his passion. Not everybody approved.

For Joseph Beuys art wasn’t just art but politics – a way and manner to influence and change things. With a socio-political and provoking approach the German artist created art that was to ask and answer questions about modern society and the purpose it was to fulfil. He shaped his own art term, basically describing art as something generally influential and society changing.

(Quelle: Joseph Beuys Webiste)