Hans Haacke

Hans Haacke is a legend of political conceptual art - and at the same time, his work is highly topical and very relevant today. As a founding figure of artistic institutional criticism, Haacke redefined the relationship between art and society and influenced following generations of artists. This lavishly illustrated volume presents a comprehensive introduction to the German-American artist with works from 1959 to the present day.

Hans Haacke's oeuvre is provocative and political, but also humorous and poetical. In his early works in the 1960s he reflects initially on biological and physical (eco-)systems before focusing on socio-political structures, which he then subjects to a penetrating and often merciless analysis. Thus he examines the abuse of power, historical and political upheavals, relationships between public institutions, politics and the economy, and last but not least anti-democratic tendencies. He insists on the societal relevance of art and its potential for initiating change.