Hans Haacke
Born – Cologne, Germany 1936
Hans Haacke’s significance lies in the socio-political criticism of his art. He studied at the State Art Academy, Kassel, from 1956 to 1960 and briefly in Paris and Philadelphia. Haacke specializes in works made for a specific place. Using text, photographs and installation he recreates a new interpretation of the cultural, political and corporate connotations and relevant personalities suggested by the location. In this way he exposes to public view, and offers for consideration, the normally tacit implications of the issues associated with the space. Such controversial means of exposure have met with adverse response, but within the context of art, Haacke’s critique of contemporary society has retained composure. A Breed Apart is one of a series of works by which Haacke attempted to subvert the advertising campaigns of companies whose glassy, glamorous image and philanthropic support for the arts belies their treatments of employees or their arms deals abroad. In 2000 Haacke’s Der Bevölkerung (“The People”), commissioned for the new German parliament building in Berlin, excited intense controversy. It consists of a trench full of earth and a neon sign flashing the word that gives the work its name.
Masterpieces:
- Taking Stock
- The Chocolate Master
Text: The A-Z of Art, Nicola Hodge and Libby Anson.
Books About hans haacke
Hans Haacke (Contemporary Artists (Phaidon))
Walter Grasskamp
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Free Exchange
Hans Haacke
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Hans Haacke: Unfinished Business (Documentary Sources in Contemporary Art)
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