1968-1986 BEUYS IN PRINT

Publications & ephemera from the Collection for Research on Artists’ Publications.

Joseph Beuys (1921-1986) is counted among the most important artists of the 20th century. A large part of his impact is due to the way he presented and published his work.

From the beginning, Beuys paid a lot of attention to spreading his ideas through multiples and editions. The way he used postcards as an artistic and ideological medium is characteristic in this. These were published and distributed in cooperation with the German artist-publisher Klaus Staeck. Beuys' exhibition related printed matter (invitations, posters and catalogues) also received the necessary attention from the artist and usually bears his stamp (sometimes literally).

This exhibition brings together 100 examples of exhibition printed matter and other ephemera that sketch a representative picture of Beuys' development as an artist, thinker and designer. At the same time, it sketches a picture of Beuys' network from 1968, the year in which his international career kicked off. In addition, Louwrien Wijers, who worked closely with Beuys in the 1980s, presents an audiowalk through her personal sound archive, based upon fragments of conversations and interviews with Beuys.

compiler: Johan Pas, Collection for Research on Artists’ Publications