Documenta 4: A Film by Jef Cornelis

Documenta 4 is the first title in JRP|Ringier’s new Archives collection, a series of films compiling source material devoted to landmark exhibitions and curatorial practices. Held in Kassel between June and October 1968, Documenta 4--the last to be directed by Documenta founder Arnold Bode--concentrated entirely on the art of the 1960s, and was plagued by artistic and political controversy and debate that echoed the social and political upheavals that were taking place elsewhere at the time. This archival documentary film gives voice to the artists, curators and audience of this landmark exhibition as it unfolded, and includes footage of Sol LeWitt constructing his “Three Part Variation,” Joseph Beuys installing his “Raumplastik,” Martial Raysse talking about the role of the artist at Kassel, Harald Szeemann defending the concept of the museum and Edward Kienholz explaining his work from inside his “Roxy’s” installation.