He wished to make his art address the Third level on which could be used the language of the human heart, the level on which art is likened to prayer, and the cold, rational processes of art making are replaced by a warm process releasing what Beuys unashamedly referred to as Love. This capacity for loving was the trademark of Beuys; it was his target. His aim was always accurate and clear-sighted. He was not persuaded to aim simply for the aesthetic nature imbedded in any worthwhile, enduring work of art.
His work had to aim beyond into the realm where love was in command.That is why his art was constantly referring to the process of healing. “Show your wound” was his challenging invitation to his students and fellow artists. By this he meant that for art to endure beyond the limitations of mere fashion, it had to be an instrument as efficacious as any potent life-saving medicine. It had to bring about the positive aspects inherent in all basic materials, too easily disregarded and ill-used. This focus on love for humanity enabled Joseph Beuys to develop all his energies towards what he called social sculpture. That is sculpture which emphasizes the importance of giving human beings the right to express their capacity to love.
Richard Demarco
