Werner Krüger: »Joseph Beuys: Everyone is an Artist«

As part of the German traces in Ireland project the Goethe-Institut Irland in co-operation with National Gallery of Ireland presents Werner Krüger’s film portrait of German Sculptor and Performance Artist Joseph Beuys.

Born on 12 May 1921 Beuys's diverse body of work ranges from traditional media of drawing, painting, and sculpture, to process-oriented, or time-based "action" art, the performance of which suggested how art may exercise a healing effect on both the artist and the audience. Beuys is especially famous for works incorporating animal fat and felt, two common materials - one organic, the other fabricated, or industrial - that had profound personal meaning to the artist. For him art, common materials, and one's "everyday life" were ultimately inseparable.

Beuys was always strongly attracted to Ireland, which he called "The Brain of Europe." In 1974 the artist travelled around Ireland, lecturing in Derry, Coleraine, Cork, and Limerick, and visiting the megalithic tomb at Newgrange.
Krüger’s portrait »Joseph Beuys: Everyone is an Artist« from 1979 shows various facets of the artist’s person and work. In addition to the statements of eye-witnesses and newspapers, the film also contains numerous recordings documenting his Actions and interviews with Beuys himself, Heinrich Böll and many more.

The film screening is accompanied by a short introduction by Sean Rainbird, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland and author of the fascinating book “Joseph Beuys and the Celtic World”.

Afterwards we would like to invite all guests to join us for a little wine reception in the Atrium.