Joseph Beuys Art

B. 1921-1986 - Joseph Beuys, German artist: Joseph Beuys was one of the leading figures in the avant-garde movement in Europe in the 1970s and 1980's. After serving in World War II, he studied at the Dusseldorf Academy from 1946 to 1951. Ten years after graduation, he became a professor there. Beuys worked in array of medias but gathered the most recognition for his performance art. He joined the Fluxus movement in 1962, and became active in politics of West Germany. This led to controversy and he was forced to resign from his teaching position in 1972. Beuys' students protested and Beuys was able to keep his title and his studio but lost his teaching contract. In his late career, Joseph Beuys focused on public speaking and became internationally known by the end of his lifetime.