Klaus Staeck Books

Joseph Beuys was photographed extensively during his life, whether at work, while travelling or at home. But only a few photographers had the privileged access and tenacity of Klaus Staeck and Gerhard Steidl. Graphic artist Staeck and printer/publisher Steidl accompanied Beuys with their cameras from 1970 until his death in 1986. Staeck and Steidl were part of Beuys’ entourage, worked closely with him to produce his multiples and objects, and documented intimate aspects of the life of this unmatched artist-performer. These photos reveal Beuys’ unique charismatic personality that influenced not only those he met, but society and art in general.

On January 9th, 1974, Joseph Beuys travelled to America for the very first time in his life. His trip was meticulously planned, with an art/performance scheduled in between each airplane, taxi and hotel, at prominent universities and galleries. Each venture in the New World was documented in these photographs. Single shots, sequences and photo-novels were produced, in addition to film stills and the movies Dillinger and The Dead Eyes of London. Beuys himself put together the layout for this book just before he died in October 1985. This unique travel report, which lay unpublished for over 20 years, is now presented in the exact format intended by Beuys.