Joseph Beuys

Joseph Beuys is a performance artist from Germany. His body of work revolves around the idea of the human element, and those social issues that seem to stir his inner being. His work has influences in politics and society according to his Wikipedia page. Beuys' road to fame has been a controversial one, but today he is considered one of the most important artists of the 20th century.

One of Beuys's first, and most interesting performances was one titled, "How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare". In this piece, the artist had his face covered in honey and gold, and he had this heavy, metal boot on his one foot. In his hands was a dead hare, which he carried around trying to explain the works on the wall in his vicinity. This was observed by the audience through a windowed area that was devoid of sound, except for the clunking of his metal boot.

In his explanation of the work, he has said, “The problem lies in the word ‘understanding’ and its many levels which cannot be restricted to rational analysis. Imagination, inspiration, and longing all lead people to sense that these other levels also play a part in understanding. This must be the root of reactions to this action, and is why my technique has been to try and seek out the energy points in the human power field, rather than demanding specific knowledge or reactions on then part of the public. I try to bring to light the complexity of creative areas.”

With his penchant of almost ritualistic performance art that seems to transcend just a physical plane, Joseph Beuys has been regarded as one of the most unique personas in the art world.