'Food for Thought - The Substance of Joseph Beuys' is a contribution to the work of the Joseph Beuys Cafe, Melbourne, an interdisciplinary school for humanity that provides a forum for conversations based on the concepts of Joseph Beuys, in particular his major themes of the 'theory of sculpture' and 'social sculpture'. The collection of essays brings the reader closer to the spiritual substance of Joseph Beuys and to the intentions of the Joseph Beuys Cafe. Spiritual energies were...
More Description'Food for Thought - The Substance of Joseph Beuys' is a contribution to the work of the Joseph Beuys Cafe, Melbourne, an interdisciplinary school for humanity that provides a forum for conversations based on the concepts of Joseph Beuys, in particular his major themes of the 'theory of sculpture' and 'social sculpture'. The collection of essays brings the reader closer to the spiritual substance of Joseph Beuys and to the intentions of the Joseph Beuys Cafe. Spiritual energies were fundamental to the life and work of Beuys and he concerned himself with the complex interrelationships of these energies, which he described as being continually in 'movement' and only perceptible through an intuitive understanding of the world.Such energies were at the centre of both his theory of sculpture and practise of social sculpture, concepts which he imagined would bring about fundamental social change, firstly by championing the transformation of our perception of the world and then eventually changing the world, hence his rallying cry, 'The Revolution is Us'.Beuys was resolute in his view that rational understanding is not the means through which art is experienced. From his perspective, the rational and intuitive worlds are held apart by an abyss, but this separation has a thin veil that can be bridged with what he described as 'new organs of perception'.The mystical poet Rumi implored, 'The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don't go back to sleep'. Beuys responded with a wondrous worldview called the 'Energy Plan' that includes perspectives on spirit and matter, new concepts of world evolution, and a warmth theory built around human connection where, 'Sociology is the Science of Love'.This book is an attempt to go deeper into Beuys's world and provide a more intimate understanding of the artist. A reading can be worthwhile. Consider that Andy Warhol, following Beuys's death in 1986, stated that his work, '... has only begun its captivating and potent hold on our minds. People will be discussing new beauty in Beuys as long as there are people'.