arts
January 13, 2026
Joseph Beuys review
Thaddaeus Ropac Gallery, LondonThere’s no escape from the torments of the past in this show, which celebrates the German artist at his most Wagnerian, enchanting and sickening you simultaneously
TL;DR
- The exhibition showcases the work of German artist Joseph Beuys, exploring themes of historical torment and ancient myths.
- Key artworks include the massive sculpture 'Bathtub,' inspired by Beuys's tinkering from 1961 until his death, and 'Lead Woman,' reminiscent of Palaeolithic sculptures.
- Beuys's art is described as 'Wagnerian,' embodying mythmaking and reviving ancient Germanic lore.
- The article notes Beuys's early life, his service in the Luftwaffe, and the physical scars that influenced his artistic persona.
- Performances and actions by Beuys, such as speaking to a dead hare or spending a week with a coyote, are mentioned alongside his material sculptures.
- The exhibition is seen as an immersion into the 'black bile of modern history,' connecting to the horrors of the 20th century.
- Beuys's exploration of prehistory is linked to a search for German renewal after 1945, drawing on figures like the Venus of Willendorf.
- His work is presented as influential, laying groundwork for contemporary German artists like Georg Baselitz and Anselm Kiefer.
Continue reading the original article