Joseph Beuys

For Brown Environment: Giant Vessels

1964

Not on display

Artist: Joseph Beuys 1921–1986
Medium: Oil paint on paper
Dimensions: Support: 766 x 741 mm
frame: 850 x 810 x 48 mm
Collection: Tate / National Galleries of Scotland
Acquisition: ARTIST ROOMS Acquired jointly with the National Galleries of Scotland through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008
Reference: AR00120

Online caption

Beuys's environments developed from the artist's performed 'actions' and his glass cases (vitrines) containing objects. They were large-scale installations which allowed the artist to extend the boundaries of three-dimensional objects by 'staging' an environment, like a theatre set. Environments allowed Beuys to 'freeze' a moment from an 'action', and like the 'actions' and vitrines, a central concept of the environments was Beuys's use of everyday materials. In distinctive matt brown Braunkreuz oil paint, this work sets the tone for a monochromatic environment in the artist's signature colour. Dominated by a phallic shape, the painting may reflect an intention to use organic curves or rolls of felt in the environment.