Filz Aktion [Felt Action]
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? DACS 2008

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Filz Aktion [Felt Action] 1963
  • Artist Rooms
Beuys began to perform his 'actions' in public in 1963 in connection with the Fluxus group. This painting does not appear to relate to a particular 'action' but includes a piece of felt, one of the artist's 'signature' materials which he used in both sculptures and 'actions'. His 'action' of 1964, 'The Chief', involved the artist being wrapped in a blanket of felt. The figure shown here is depicted with sweeping brushstrokes and drips of Braunkreuz oil paint, suggesting that the intended 'action' involved movement.

Glossary Open

Braunkreuz

A medium invented, and first used, by the German artist Joseph Beuys in the late 1950s. It literally translates as `brown cross?. Composed of a mixture of paint and blood, it evokes images of rust, dirt, excrement and blood. As a term it has associations with Christianity, Nazism, National Socialism, war and the occult. By varying the qualities of the component parts, Beuys could experiment with the colour, density and texture of this unusual material.

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.

Braunkreuz, Fluxus

Details

  • Acc. No. AR00700
  • Medium Braunkreuz oil on paper with felt
  • Size 65.00 x 43.80 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

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