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 One of my heroes, Joseph Beuys (1921 – 1986), a German artist and teacher at the Düsseldorf Academy of Art, used to say: “To make people free is the aim of art, therefore art for me is the science of freedom.” As a rebellious teenager I was greatly influenced by him. 

– morning snack –

In the 1960's, Beuys also famously said: “The act of peeling a potato can be a work of art if it is a conscious act.” 


For me art is about transformation. As artist we are shapeshifters on all levels and fronts, reshaping the conditions, thinking and structures that dominate our lives and societies. This means we have to be daring, courageous, and visionary. As well as awake and committed, ready to resist, always leery of brainwashing, norming, othering. Ready to celebrate every millimeter of unique aliveness and beauty! And it is our responsibility to find and nurture that true spark of freedom at our core.  

 

America seems to be bent on taking most freedom and human rights away from its citizens – I see it as a desperate last-ditch attempt to hold on to its white supremacist traditions. With evangelical religion and violence as their guardian dogs, almost half the country is showing the world its ugly face. That too is America, I explain to friends oversees, and I hope the world is paying attention so old “myths” can be dismantled. 


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