Description
Book SynopsisRichard Demarco co-founded the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh in 1963 and ran the vibrant Richard Demarco Gallery in Edinburgh for almost 30 years. He promotes crosscultural dialogues and was the first person to introduce Joseph Beuys in the UK.
Joseph Beuys was a German sculptor and creator of action performances, political activist and teacher.
This book explores the works, lectures and ‘Actions’ which resulted from the mutual hopes, inspirations and shared values of Richard Demarco and Joseph Beuys, the innovative and inspirational German postwar artist, from 1970 until Beuys’ death in 1986. Demarco, an avant-garde gallerist in Edinburgh, was an early proponent of Scotland taking its place within the European art world; Demarco recognised the visionary quality of Beuys’ work and visited him in Oberkassel in January 1970. In the hope of focusing Beuys’ attention on Scotland, he presented him with a set of postcards depicting typical Scottish scenes. Beuys responded with, ‘I see the land of Macbeth, so when shall we two meet again, in thunder, lightning or in rain?’
They reunited in thundery Edinburgh later that year and Demarco led him northwards along the ancient track he calls ‘The Road to Meikle Seggie’. This initial experience of the Scottish landscape inspired Beuys, who felt a strong connection with Celtic culture, and laid the foundation for a remarkable artistic friendship which enriched the work of both men.
With photos from Demarco’s personal collection and essays spanning from 1970 to the present, this is an intimate and intellectually rigorous look at a friendship seminal to the development of art in Scotland over the last 40 years.
Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR RICHARD DEMARCO: As well as being recognised internationally as an artist, Richard is equally recognised as the promoter of exhibitions and theatre events that have broken new ground in Britain and further beyond, to which the long list of his national and international awards and honours attests. His writing is as idiosyncratic and enthralling as his drawings, driven by true passion and belief, the personal account of an artist whose deeply rooted and abiding love for his native Scotland shines clearly in his words. – RICHARD NOYCE
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Introductions
The Legend of Beuys - Douglas Hall
The Road to Muddle Segue - Martin Kemp
Beuys, Demarco and Scotland - Robert McDowell
On Richard Demarco - Sir Nicholas Serota
With regard to the exhibition entitled Richard Demarco and Joseph Beuys: A Unique Partnership - Richard Demarco
Joseph Beuys: Timeline
Essays
Beuys in Scotland
Richard Demarco’s personal experience of the reality of Strategy: Get Arts
7,000 Oaks: Richard Demarco Interviews Joseph Beuys
Ex Cathedra
Performance Magazine
Ryszard Stanislawski on Polentransport
Thoughts on the ending of 1993 – and the significance of Strategy: Get Arts
The Genesis and Legacy of Strategy: Get Arts
Tadeusz Kantor and Joseph Beuys
Joseph Beuys as Artist-Teacher
Artistic Detours: Joseph Beuys as an Anthropologist
A Unique Partnership in Pictures, 1970–87
The Beuys Legacy
