Joseph Beuys Flashcards
Who was Beuys
Was born in Germany. While fighting in the war, his plane crashed and Russian tsarists rescued him by rubbing animal fat all over his body’s and wrapping him in felt to warm his body. Became important part of his art identity. He promoted political reform to increase power for individuals.
What was he known for
Performance art, sculpting, installation art, art theorist and teacher of art
What is an example of one of his performance art pieces
‘I like America and america likes me’
Describe ‘I like America and america likes me’
He flew into New York was taken to ambulance wrapped in felt on a stretcher. Took him to Rene block gallery. Was taken to an enclosed room with a coyote. During the performance he would hit a triangle pendant around his neck and repeat the same actions using proper. Interacted with coyote and got closer and closer each time.
What props did he have in ‘I like America and america likes me’
Felt blanket, walking stick, gloves and flashlight
What was the purpose of hitting the triangle pendant before repeating gestures
The call himself, the coyote and the audience to order
What does the walking stick suggest
A Shepard
When did he leave the enclosure
After three days
What form did this art piece take
A self-invented ritual
Why did he not have contact with the actual New York, only the coyote
It relates back to colonisation, and how the coyote is a holy animal that was living on the land long before ethers came. He is gaining the trust of the coyote because it is its home
