Beuys, Joseph. (1921–1986)

"Man! Rise up and take your autonomy" - SIGNED "Organisation für Direkte Demokratie" PAMPHLET

Original pamphlet from the Fluxus artist's "social sculpture" project "Organisation fur Direkte Demokratie Durch Volksabstimmung," signed twice by the artist ca. 1971. Beuys has signed on the first page with his address and telephone number, and added a further inscription and signature on the final page (translated from the German): "Man! Rise up and take your autonomy. Joseph Beuys." A remarkable piece of Fluxus ephemera. 8 pp. One very light diagonal crease; overall in very fine condition. 6 x 8 inches (15 x 21 cm).

Joseph Beuys was a German Fluxus, happening, and performance artist as well as a sculptor, installation artist, graphic artist, art theorist, and pedagogue. His extensive work is grounded in concepts of humanism, social philosophy and anthroposophy; it culminates in his "extended definition of art" and the idea of social sculpture as a Gesamtkunstwerk, for which he claimed a creative, participatory role in shaping society and politics. His career was characterized by passionate and only rarely acrimonious open public debates on a very wide range of subjects including political, environmental, social and long term cultural trends. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of the second half of the 20th century. (15309)


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