a wall for Joseph and Oliver

Oliver Dowling was a passionate force for contemporary art and artists in Ireland for over half a century. In 1974 he invited Joseph Beuys, the seminal German Artist, to Ireland.

Beuys gave lectures in Dublin, Belfast, Limerick and here in Cork in the Crawford Art College during his stay. Beuys’ vision of human energy and imagination acting as a collaborative and positive force within society captivated those in the audience who felt the depth of change implied in his words, now, as then, so critically relevant.

a wall for Joseph and Oliver is an installation by Maud Cotter that acknowledges both Joseph Beuys and Oliver Dowling for making such a momentous event happen within the context of Irish Art practice. Irish Energy, (1974), a series of works consisting of a sandwich of peat briquettes and butter, were made by Joseph Beuys during his travels in Ireland.

a wall for Joseph and Oliver is an installation by Maud Cotter, commissioned by The Butter Museum. Thanks are due to Prof Caroline Tisdall, and the Beuys Estate for their commitment and encouragement during the project. Thanks are also due to Alan Heavey on behalf of Oliver Dowling’s Estate, for their generosity of the loan of Irish Energy.

Maud Cotter’s work is presented courtesy of the artist and domobaal gallery, London.