Samurai Sword (Samurai-Schwert)

1972–1985

The project “In Defence of Nature” in Bolognano

From 1972 to 1985 Beuys carried out in Bolognano the project “Operation In Defence of Nature”, the Italian project with the greatest international impact: artistic, political, ecological and humanitarian actions, among them the “Paradise Plantation” of 7,000 plants (1982) and “Olivestone” (1984).

1980–1985

Visiting professor at various institutions

From 1980 to 1985, without a permanent post at the academy, Beuys taught as a visiting professor at various institutions.

1981

Gibellina: the idea of a “Sacred Grove”

In 1981, together with the Neapolitan photographer Mimmo Jodice, Beuys reached the ruins of Gibellina in Sicily, destroyed by the 1968 earthquake, and conceived for the town the environmental work “Sacro Bosco” (“Sacred Grove”), which was never realised.

19 giugno 1982 – 28 settembre 1982

Exhibition: documenta 7

1983

Runs for the Bundestag for the Greens

In 1983 Beuys stood for election to the Bundestag on the Greens' list but was defeated.

1984

An exhibition at the Seibu Museum in Tokyo

In 1984 Beuys's work was shown at the Seibu Museum in Tokyo.