Ensemble

The contrast between tight, crystalline structures on the one hand and soft organic forms on the other forms the basis for the theory of sculpture Joseph Beuys developed in the 1960s. The artist saw an important place in his work for the two processes and the balance between them. While the crystal structures organise experience, the organic is the engine of change. Beuys associated these terms, among others, to his use of material and to his ideas about social transformation. Aiming at interaction amongst groups of people, Beuys was one of the pioneers of a connected artistic practice.

Beuys deployed his political activities too as an extension of the scope of art. He opposed the classic definition that sees art as a material object made by a professional artist. According to Beuys, all creative activities that affect society are artistic. And all material, tangible or not, can be artfully shaped. In this way, society can be seen as one big piece of art or 'social sculpture'. To rework and refine this sculpture, everyone's creativity is required, and not just that of so-called artists.