Joseph Beuys: The Reader - Softcover

Viola Michely; Claudia Mesch

3.69

29 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845113632 ISBN 13: 9781845113636

Publisher: I B Tauris & Co Ltd, 2007

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Joseph Beuys is one of the most legendary figures of twentieth century art; his work and ideas continue to impact on artists today. An enigmatic, self-styled 'shaman' who embraced radically democratic artistic and political ideas, he has attained almost mythical status. This reader brings together the crucial texts on Beuys to look at the most contentious reception ever accorded a postwar artist.Here in one volume, are key essays by prominent artists and critics from North America and Europe, in a collection which foregrounds the full scope of Beuys' work across performance, drawing, painting, sculpture and multiples. With a foreword by Arthur C Danto, "Joseph Beuys: The Reader" features Benjamin Buchloh's seminal essay 'Beuys: The Twilight of the Idol' and texts by Rosalind Krauss, Peter Burger, Vera Frenkel, Irit Rogoff, Thierry de Duve and others, as well as essays translated for the first time into English. Also included are two discussions, previously unpublished outside of Germany, with Beuys himself, as well as a useful chronology of key events and exhibitions in the life of this most charismatic figure. The most significant collection of texts on this artist to date, the book will be essential reading for any student of Beuys and for all those interested in postwar art, the cult of the artist, and art's engagement with politics and society.

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Review:

...a welcome attempt to give a broad yet nuanced picture of [Beuys ] work and life...good deal of attention paid to Beuys objects, writings, and actions...which downplays the biographical while striking a balance with the need to keep his self-promotion firmly in mind. It is this sense of equitability that will make this book required Beuys reading for a long time to come and may even help save him from eventual obscurity. --Artforum/Bookforum

Such a reinvigorated debate seems much needed....The book is well researched and expertly edited, and its compilation clearly springs from the editors commitment to pointing out Beuys potential. May it help to keep the legacy of this enigmatic artist alive an artist who continues to provoke fascination and bewilderment. --Journal of Surrealism and the Americas

...presents an informative discourse of Beuysian work and 21st century art by addressing issues such as how the current practice of established codes of meaning and iconography fit Beuys model. In doing so, this reader successfully meets its main aim, which was to reopen an international discussion on Joseph Beuys and his work . --contemporary (U.K.)

About the Author:

Claudia Mesch is Assistant Professor at the School of Art, Arizona State University. Viola Michely is a writer and curator. She teaches art and philosophy at the August-Macke School, Bonn.

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