Ruth
Schreiber

Tribute to Joseph Beuys

[mixed media 20x180x60cm]

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In producing this tribute to Joseph Beuys, I was especially drawn to 2 elements in his oeuvre- his use of widely disparate materials in his sculpture, and the rough, unpretty nature of his art. His work is difficult, intellectual, challenging, surprising- it doesn’t fit into a movement or category and is not readily accessible.

 

That being the case, I chose to relate to several specific elements: Beuys’ frequent use of the floor for displaying his pieces; his recycling of found objects; his unexpected combinations; his awareness of the textures of surfaces, both whether reflective gilt brass or matt iron; his adoption of unfamiliar art materials and his ready inclusion of organic substances.

 

I have combined several of his characteristic elements to produce this tribute in the spirit of Joseph Beuys.