Beuys (DVD)
Thirty years after his death, Joseph Beuys still feels like a visionary and is widely considered one of the most influential artists of his generation. Known for his contributions to the Fluxus movement and his work across diverse media — from happening and performance to sculpture, installation, and graphic art — Beuys’ expanded concept of the role of the artist places him in the middle of socially relevant discourses on media, community, and capitalism. Using previously untapped visual and audio sources, director Andres Veiel has created a one-of-a-kind chronicle: Beuys is not a portrait in the traditional sense, but an intimate and in-depth look at a human being, his art and ideas, and the way they have impacted the world.
Excerpt from JOSEPH BEUYS: TRANSFORMER, a documentary by John Halpern | Interview with director Andres Veiel by John Halpern
| John Halpern Introduction | Ronald Feldman Introduction | Trailer
- Andres Veiel - Director
- Joseph Beuys - Himself
- Jörg Jeshel - Cinematographer
- Thomas Kufus - Producer
- Olaf Voigtländer - Editor
- Stephan Krumbiegel - Editor
- Damian Scholl - Composer
- Ulrich Reuter - Composer
- Matthias Lembert - Sound
- Hubertus Müll - Sound
Reviews
"An exhilarating portrait of a unique truth-teller. Makes a strong case for Beuys, emphasizing the social conscience at work in his art."
“Engaging, compelling. A choose-your-own-art-history adventure. Avoids the typical pitfalls of documentaries. Effectively conveys Cold War–era German performance artist Joseph Beuys’s infectious presence and democratic ideals.”
“Introduce[s] you the raw presence of the artist... familiarizing you with the living, breathing, mystical force of nature of Joseph Beuys. The artist is often christened as Germany’s most important artist since World War II, and with good reason — he pioneered new definitions of performance art, political activism, sculpture, installation, and art pedagogy in the war’s wake, and they are still widely emulated today.”
“The most extensive revisiting of Beuys’ art and life for a general public.”
“Andres Veiel’s largely archival documentary... is one for the ages, and not to be missed. Joseph Beuys [is] arguably one of the most relevant and revolutionary forces in modern and post-modern art in the 20th century.”
“Explores, through poignant photos, archival film footage and interviews, and commentary from peers and colleagues, the legacy of this passionate and polarizing artist.”
"Fascinating. Most art world insiders would rate Beuys as the most significant artist of the post-war period.”
“Seeing [Beuys’ installations] as they were created, or with the artist in the room, makes them come alive.”
“Offers some glowing revelations about this most influential of artists… Joseph Beuys (1921-86), one of the most influential artists of the last century, whose innovations, especially in the realm of performance art, are responsible for the work of today’s big names like Ai Wei Wei and Marina Abramovic.”
“A major pioneer. Widely understood to be the most important German artist of the post–World War II period. His influence is comparable to that of the American artist Andy Warhol.”
“One of the most extraordinarily influential and transgressive figures in the art of the second half of the 20th century.”
Awards
Berlin International Film Festival - Competition
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