Zu demVortrag: Der Soziale Organismus - ein Kunstwerk, Bochum 2.03.1974 [For the lecture: The social organism - a work of art, Bochum, 2nd March 1974]
Enlarge
© DACS 2008

Reference URL

Zu demVortrag: Der Soziale Organismus - ein Kunstwerk, Bochum 2.03.1974 [For the lecture: The social organism - a work of art, Bochum, 2nd March 1974] 1974
  • Artist Rooms
Beuys began to use blackboards in his early 'actions' when working with the Fluxus group in the early 1960s. They were an effective way of transmitting information in the lectures he gave, which became an increasingly important part of his later work. This is the only blackboard in the ARTIST ROOMS Collection. Taken from a lecture given in the West German city of Bochum, the artist seems to be showing how nature should be at the centre of our society. The circles and lines connecting animal, man and nature (represented by sketches of the sun and mountains) support Beuys's belief that we must listen to our natural instincts.

Glossary Open

Fluxus

A collective of international artists formed in 1960 by the artist George Maciunas. Their name means ‘flowing’ in Latin, and they aimed to break down barriers between art and life by staging avant-garde musical performances and anti-art events which closely involved the public. A socially-motivated group, they promoted an inclusive and collective spirit and were opposed to the functionless art object and the ego-driven artist. Among the various group members were Joseph Beuys, Nam June Paik, John Cage, Daniel Spoerri and Yoko Ono.

Fluxus

Details

  • Acc. No. AR00621
  • Medium Chalk on blackboard
  • Size 100.00 x 130.0 x 2.00 cm (framed: 107.10 x 136.90 x 7.00 cm)
  • Credit ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008

See related artworks

Part of

Artist Rooms