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Joseph Beuys — Kunst=Kapital
Joseph Beuys

Kunst=Kapital

1980

A simple sheet of paper bears the hand-stamped and penciled equation "Kunst = Kapital" (Art = Capital), reflecting Beuys's radical belief that human creativity is the true foundation of economic and social value. The work embodies his concept of "social sculpture," in which art extends beyond aesthetic objects to encompass the transformative potential of every individual. Characteristically spare in its visual means, the piece carries an outsized philosophical weight, challenging conventional notions of capital and worth.

Medium
pencil and ink stamp on paper

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April 11, 2018

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About this work

Joseph Beuys, Kunst=Kapital, 1980

A simple sheet of paper bears the hand-stamped and penciled equation "Kunst = Kapital" (Art = Capital), reflecting Beuys's radical belief that human creativity is the true foundation of economic and social value. The work embodies his concept of "social sculpture," in which art extends beyond aesthetic objects to encompass the transformative potential of every individual. Characteristically spare in its visual means, the piece carries an outsized philosophical weight, challenging conventional notions of capital and worth.

Medium
pencil and ink stamp on paper
Year
1980
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

German Artist, 20th Century, Male Artist, Pencil And Ink, Intellectual Mood, Conceptual Art, Social Commentary, Works on Paper, Text-Based Art, Fluxus, Black and White, Influential Artist

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