Ten-Minute Art School Course Joseph Beuys Filzanzug (Felt Suit), 1970 The stitched felt suit expresses the idea of human physical warmth. It symbolizes and evokes a sense of safety and shelter because felt is an insulating and life-protecting fabric. Beuys was at one stage connected with Fluxus, a movement dedicated to organizing anarchistic events and ‘happenings’, and this suit was copied from one he wore in 1971 at an anti-Vietnam event. Beuys considered art as a medium for social and political change. He also saw it as having a spiritual dimension, and believed that commonplace materials (felt and animal fat were among his favorites) could be invested with an intense healing power. He saw the role of the artist as parallel to that of the shaman, channeling energy from objects and giving them new powers and new meaning. Beuys achieved cult status in his native Germany, and many of his works, including this suit, were produced in large editions. [courtesy of The Art Book]

Ten-Minute Art School Course

Joseph Beuys

Filzanzug (Felt Suit), 1970

The stitched felt suit expresses the idea of human physical warmth. It symbolizes and evokes a sense of safety and shelter because felt is an insulating and life-protecting fabric. Beuys was at one stage connected with Fluxus, a movement dedicated to organizing anarchistic events and ‘happenings’, and this suit was copied from one he wore in 1971 at an anti-Vietnam event. Beuys considered art as a medium for social and political change. He also saw it as having a spiritual dimension, and believed that commonplace materials (felt and animal fat were among his favorites) could be invested with an intense healing power. He saw the role of the artist as parallel to that of the shaman, channeling energy from objects and giving them new powers and new meaning. Beuys achieved cult status in his native Germany, and many of his works, including this suit, were produced in large editions.

[courtesy of The Art Book]