About this artwork
By the 1970s, Beuys was deeply involved with politics. In 1972, he founded the Committee for a Free University and was working with the Organisation for Direct Democracy through Referendum, which had been formed the previous year. The title of this print translates as 'We are the Revolution'. Beuys presents a strong image of himself striding towards the viewer in a confrontational way, as if ready for action himself and encouraging us to join him. This work is even more striking when seen in real life, as it is nearly two metres tall so the artist appears life-size and as if poised to step out of the image.
Updated before 2020
see media-
artist:Joseph Beuys (1921 - 1986) German
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title:La Rivoluzione Siamo Noi
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date created:1972
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materials:Silkscreen, ink and stamp on paper
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measurements:189.60 x 98.70 cm
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object type:
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credit line:ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
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accession number:AR00624
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gallery:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve

Joseph Beuys
Joseph Beuys
German artist Beuys believed that art was integral to everyday life. According to Beuys his own art was shaped by an experience early in his life. As a Luftwaffe pilot during the war, he claimed that he was shot down over the Crimea and was saved by nomadic Tartars. Barely alive, he was wrapped in...