Joseph Beuys: Ja, Ja, Ja, Nee, Nee, Nee

The Jospeh Beuys‘ sound-work Ja Ja Ja Ja Ja, Nee Nee Nee Nee Nee from 1968 consists of the voice of Joseph Beuys who, for more than an hour, repeats the words, “ Ja Ja Ja, Nee Nee Nee ”. (Yes Yes Yes, No No No. “Nee” is colloquial for “Nein” in German). In the repetition Beuys changes the intonation of the words. Through the sole presence of the voice in the room and the uninterrupted repetition, after some time the piece attains a great intensity. It is not exaggerated to speak of a sound-space, a Beuysian sculpture.

The idea and realization of the speech performance arose in December 1968 at the time of the student revolt in Germany, which Beuys very much supported. Apart from the political connections of the piece, Ja Ja Ja Ja Ja, Nee Nee Nee Nee Nee , it must also be seen against the background of Joseph Beuys' participation in the Fluxus movement.

Pressetext

Joseph Beuys "Ja, Ja, Ja, Ja, Ja, Nee, Nee, Nee, Nee, Nee"