Joseph Beuys

Joseph Beuys (1921–1986) studied under Ewald Mataré at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where he later held the chair for Monumental Sculpture from 1961 to 1972. His practice encompassed sculpture, drawing, installation and performance, centred on the idea of "Social Sculpture" — art as a force capable of reshaping society.

Felt, fat, copper and honey formed his material vocabulary, rooted in ideas of energy, warmth and transformation. From 1965 onward he produced over 600 multiples — catalogued by Jörg Schellmann — intended as affordable carriers of ideas beyond the gallery context.

Collections include MoMA New York, Tate Modern, Centre Pompidou, Hamburger Bahnhof Berlin, Pinakothek der Moderne Munich and the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt.