Joseph Beuys at Mitchell-Innes & Nash

This sculpture, one of iconic German artist Joseph Beuys’ best known works and part of an exhibition of his multiples from the collection of Reinhard Schlegel, taps into Beuys’ story of having been shot down in his plane in WWII, then rescued by Tartars who wrapped him in fat and felt. The iron runners connect man to earth, felt symbolizes warmth and security, while the disk of fat refers to energy. (At Mitchell-Innes & Nash through April 18th).

Joseph Beuys, Sled, sled, fat, felt, belts, torch, sled: 41 x 34 x 110cm, 1969.