Work in Focus: Hermann Nitsch, Blood Picture (Blutbild), 1962

Nitsch spent most of the 1950's preparing a written text proposing his ideas for a 'Gessamkunstwert' (Complete Work Of Art), which would incorporate performance art, painting, writing and music. This ambition was formalized by the creation of the 'Orgies and Mysteries Theatre' in 1957, which enacted an escalating series of transgressive 'Aktions' involving blood sacrifice, ritual and group catharsis.

Blood Picture (Blutbild) dates from 1962 and demonstrates Nitsch uses the thematic material of the Orgies and Mysteries Theatre within the realm of traditional painting. Three rectangles of blood-soaked linen are arranged vertically and collaged onto a support of raw Hessian. The combination of muted browns and ochre's together with the variegated weave of different fabrics, lend Blutbild an undeniably sensual and earthbound aspect. Taken within the context of post-war German art, Nitsch's work can be seen as an implicit criticism of the reductive social hygiene of Nazism.

Hermann Nitsch born 1938 Blood Picture (Blutbild) 1962. Currently on display at Tate Liverpool
© DACS, 2002