During Art Basel week in Paris, Sotheby's Paris will offer an exceptional group of works by German artist Joseph Beuys (1921-1986) from the personal collection of Jörg Schellmann. In this film, Schellmann takes us through his collection and shares personal stories about Joseph Beuys.
This collection, consisting of around thirty works, includes unique installations, sculptures, photographs, drawings, and several multiples. These works provide an in-depth exploration of Beuys' complex oeuvre.
Beuys is known for his ‘extended definition of art,’ which posits that the concept of ‘social sculpture’ has the potential to reshape society and politics. This theory, developed by Beuys in the 1970s, is based on the idea that everything is art, every aspect of life can be approached creatively, and, as a result, everyone has the potential to be an artist.
Jörg Schellmann worked closely with Joseph Beuys, particularly on the production of objects, lithographs, and photographic prints. This aspect of Beuys' work is crucial, as it has facilitated the widespread dissemination of his art.
Jörg Schellmann (born 1944) is the founder and owner of the art publishing house Schellmann Art (formerly Edition Schellmann), based in Munich and New York. He opened his first gallery in Munich in 1969. Striving to make art accessible to all, Schellmann began publishing prints and multiples by internationally renowned artists such as Joseph Beuys, Christo, Donald Judd, Keith Haring, Jenny Holzer, Thomas Ruff, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, and Christopher Wool, among others.
Schellmann has also contributed to the publication of the catalogue raisonné of Beuys' editions.
