Joseph Beuys

We Won’t Do It without the Rose, Because We Can No Longer Think

1972

Not on display

Artist: Joseph Beuys 1921–1986
Original title: Ohne die Rose tun wir's nicht, da können wir gar nicht mehr denken
Medium: Lithograph on paper
Dimensions: Image: 804 × 568 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Purchased 1982
Reference: P07596

Display caption

Taken from a photograph by Wilfred Bauer, this lithograph shows Beuys at the desk of his Information Office at documenta V, Kassel in 1972. The Information Office was run under the auspices of the Organization for Direct Democracy, a platform for the propagation of the artist’s radical ideas, which he had founded the previous year. For 100 days Beuys tirelessly debated his ideas with visitors to the exhibition. On the last day, he fought a Boxing Match for Direct Democracy.

Gallery label, May 2008

Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.

Catalogue entry

P07596 WE CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT THE ROSE 1972

Inscribed ‘Joseph Beuys’ centre right and ‘80/80’ and ‘Ohne die rose tun wir's nicht ...’
Lithograph, published by Edition Staeck, Heidelberg, 31 5/8×22 3/8 (80.4×56.8)
Purchased from Edition Staeck (Grant-in-Aid) 1981
Lit: op.cit., no.56

Colour offset lithograph from a photograph by Wilfred Bauer, taken at Beuys' desk in the political office at Documenta v (Kassel, 1972). The photograph first appeared in Zeit magazine. There is also a related multiple ‘Rose for Direct Democracy’ 1973, which is a calibrated glass vase with cut writing.

Published in:
The Tate Gallery 1980-82: Illustrated Catalogue of Acquisitions, London 1984