Joseph Beuys

German Students Party

1967

Not on display

Artist: Joseph Beuys 1921–1986
Original title: Deutsche Studentenpartei
Medium: Ink on paper
Dimensions: Support, each: 208 × 295 mm
frame: 921 × 730 × 44 mm
Collection: ARTIST ROOMS Tate and 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: AR00677

Online caption

Beuys formed the Deutsche Studentenpartei (German Student Party) on June 22 1967, in reaction to the shooting of the student Benno Ohnesorg during a demonstration against the visit of the Shah of Persia. It was the artist's first move into politics, but set a precedent for his politically-involved art. In December 1967, Beuys renamed the party 'Fluxus Zone West' to indicate the need for structural change at universities across Europe. This draft manifesto for the party has been stamped with the artist's distinctive circular stamp featuring a cross. He added the stamp to works which he felt embodied his beliefs.