Framing and being framed

Hans Haacke makes political art sometimes described as ‘institutional critique’. His works often challenge the very institutions where they are displayed.

This book records various examples. The cover features a detail from Bunch of asparagus (1880), by French artist Édouard Manet. After this painting entered the collection of Germany’s Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Haacke wanted to tell the story of its acquisition. He revealed that the work had been donated by someone with Nazi connections, after previously being in Jewish ownership.

The museum rejected Haacke’s project, but the work has been publicly exhibited elsewhere – albeit with a colour reproduction standing in for the original painting.

In another project featured in the book, On social grease (1975), Haacke created large plaques quoting politicians and corporate leaders on the social benefits of the arts.