Gerd Ludwig's photos of Beuys in the Lower Rhine are the key to discovering that landscape which stands at the heart of Beuys' life and work. Joseph Beuys is regarded worldwide as one of the 20th century's most important and influential artists. But where exactly did he find his artistic roots? What were the sources of his strength? In January 1978, photographer Gerd Ludwig impressively captured Joseph Beuys as he revisited his past in the town of Kleve and its Lower Rhine surroundings, the very places where it all began for him.

In 2021, Frank Mehring conceived the idea of displaying six large-format photographs by Ludwig of Beuys in the Lower Rhine landscape, exactly where they were taken in 1978 and linked them via a bicycle route. Freddy Langer, accompanied by Mehring and Ludwig, spent a day cycling the route and composed an essay about their journey. This essay weaves together their conversations, unexpected encounters, and musings on art and ecology with insights into Joseph Beuys's relationship with nature.

In his text, Mehring analyzes how we can recognize the person Joseph Beuys beyond the brand, focusing on his biographical origins in the Lower Rhine to understand his significance for the digital generation. He emphasizes that photography was crucial for Beuys to permanently capture his ephemeral actions in public spaces. 

Mehring sees Gerd Ludwig's photographs of Beuys as a central key to discovering a landscape that is at the center of Beuys' life and work. Using the photos, Mehring explains how this region shaped Beuys' artistic energy, his ecological awareness and his vitality, which catapulted him to the top of the international art world.

Highlights

• Hardcover: 108 pages, 58 photos by Gerd Ludwig, 1 photo by Freddy Langer

• Language: English/German bilingual

• Publisher: Edition Lammerhuber

• ISBN 978-3-903101-99-9

• Book Dimensions: 29.7 x 21 cm (11.7 x 8.3 in)

Print Highlights

Unframed archival pigment print on Epson Legacy Platine acid-free fine art paper (314 gsm)

• Paper Size: 20.3 x 27.9 cm (8 x 11 in)

• Image Size: 15.2 x 21.1 cm (6 x 8.3 in)

• Limited, numbered edition of 100

• Signed by Gerd Ludwig

Prints are intended for personal use and private display only. Reproduction, publication, or other commercial use is not permitted without prior written authorization.

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