Joseph Beuys. Radical pedagogy, direct democracy and social plastic art.

29 Jun 2021
  • Dates: From June 29th to August 29th
  • Place: Palacete del Embarcadero
  • Organizers: Port Authority of Santander and Lafuente Archive

On the occasion of the centenary of the birth of Joseph Beuys (Krefeld, 1921-Düsseldorf, 1986), the exhibition seeks to bring the Cantabrian public closer to the figure, ideas and work of this German artist, a reference in 20th century European art, whose influence reaches the present day not only in the artistic field, but also in the political and social spheres.

As an artist, he revolutionized performance (which he called action) and the concept of multiple; as a teacher, he changed the way sculpture was taught, encouraging a critical spirit, debating and challenging the established traditional structures, making sculpture a means to achieve artistic, social and political change; as a politician, he promoted an alternative third way to those existing in the Germany of his time, promoting, among other things, the defense of nature with projects such as Difesa della Natura or 7000 Eichen.

Beuys' magnetic personality has made him a mythical figure in the art world who leaves no one indifferent. The Lafuente Archive exhibition will show part of his work and ideas through publications, actions (documented through photographs and videos), multiple and numerous ephemeral material that make up the extensive documentary collection Joseph Beuys, consisting of nearly 3,000 pieces.

The exhibition can be visited at the Palacete del Embarcadero from 5:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on June 29 and 30, and, from July 1, in its summer schedule: Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Admission to the center is free.

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