beuys/barney 17 Installation Shot "all in the present must be transformed: Matthew Barney and Joseph Beuys"
at the Deutsche Guggenheim, Berlin © Deutsche Guggenheim, Photo: Mathias Schormann
all in the present must be transformed: Matthew Barney and Joseph Beuys
Till January 12, 2007 Deutsche Guggenheim presents the exhibition all in the present must be transformed: Matthew Barney and Joseph Beuys.
The show examines affinities between the two artists, who, though separated by generation and geography, share aesthetic and conceptual concerns. The exhibition focuses on the metaphoric use of materials, the belief in metamorphosis, and the relationship between action and its documentation in their respective practices. It also reveals fundamental, philosophical differences between Barney and Beuys that, in turn, further enhances our understanding of each artist’s work.
The exhibition’s contents are drawn largely from the Guggenheim Museum's permanent collection and pair a selection of drawings and vitrines by both artists, as well as Barney’s multipart sculpture Chrysler Imperial (2002) from CREMASTER 3 with Beuys' installation Terremoto (1981). The presentation will also examine the performative side of their practices, giving evidence to the way they both have theatricalized their sculptural production.
Organized by Nancy Spector, the exhibition will travel to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in Venice during the 2007 Venice Biennale.
Additional to the show an extensive supporting program takes place allowing the visitor to immerse oneself deeper in the artists’ conceptions and thoughts.
A large film program takes up the concept of the exhibition and juxtaposes a selection of films by both artists and is screened at the cinema babylon berlin:mitte as well as at the Deutsche Guggenheim.