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Press Release, 22 October 2012
FONDATION BEYELER
«What is Art?» - A New Fondation Beyeler Publication Provides
Straightforward Answers in Words and Pictures
Our 216-page book «What is Art?» 27 Questions, 27 Answers" provides an entertaining
introduction to the world of art. The 27 direct, surprising and humorous questions are
answered in plain English. The renowned photographer Andri Pol visualizes people's
encounters with the locations of art in compelling imagery. Our book is intended to
ease access to art on the part of young people and interested adults alike.
Young people drawing Marcel Duchamp's Bottle Rack at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
© Photo: Andri Pol
At what point does something become art? What does an artist do when he or she is dissatisfied with
a work? Did Andy Warhol like tomato soup? Why is art so interesting? Is graffiti art? Why are most of
the famous artists male? Why do some artists become known only after their deaths? What would life
be like without art? The Fondation Beyeler Art Education Team has collected young people's personal
questions about art, and the resulting book provides understandable answers to 27 of their most
frequent and surprising queries.
«What is Art? 27 Questions, 27 Answers» leads readers down various paths and contains a range of
statements on the subject of art. Well-known artists such as John Armleder and Elodie Pong,
exhibition curator Brice Curiger, museum director Sam Keller, gallery owner Iwan Wirth, auctioneer

Simon de Pury, Switzerland's chief cultural official, Federal Councillor Alain Berset, and a restorer, an
art insurer, and an art professor are interviewed. The book also gives the floor to young people who
approach the question of the title, «What is Art?», with fresh eyes.
Andri Pol's 39 photos capture moments in which people are confronted with art. They suggest how art
takes effect and what it has to do with our lives. The aesthetic book design, perfectly adapted to the
subject, was provided by Müller + Hess. The UBS not only generously supported the project but, as a
partner of our art education program for families and young people, is ensuring its dissemination.
The volume is published in German, French, Italian and English, and is available in the shops and the
Fondation Beyeler Art Shop in Riehen / Basel.
Young Man in Front of Henri Rousseau's The Lion Attacking the Antilope (1898/1905) at
the Fondation Beyeler, Riehen / Basel
© Photo: Andri Pol
Girls Viewing Jeff Koons's sculpture Michel Jackson and Bubbles (1988)
at the Fondation Beyeler, Riehen / Basel
© Photo: Andri Pol
Visitor in Front of Mark Rothko's Untitled (Red,
Orange) (1968)
© Photo: Andri Pol

Publication Information
Title: «What is Art? 27 Questions, 27 Answers»
Format: 170 x 130 mm, 216 pages, 39 illustrations
Publication date: Available from mid October in German, French, Italian
and English
Publishers: Fondation Beyeler, Riehen / Basel
Authors: Stefanie Bringezu, Daniel Kramer, Janine Schmutz
Photos: Andri Pol
English translation: John William Gabriel
Design: Müller + Hess
Production: Hatje Cantz Verlag
ISBN Fondation Beyeler: 000-3-905632-69-9 (D) / 000-3-905632-97-7 (F)
/ 000-3-905632-99-3 (E) / 000-3-905632-98-5 (I)
ISBN Publisher: 978-3-7757-3526-1 (D) / 978-3-7757-3528-5 (F) / 978-3-
7757-3527-6 (E)
For further information please contact:
Myriam Ruegsegger, Head of Public Relations
Tel. + 41 (0)61 645 97 29, presse@fondationbeyeler.ch, www.fondationbeyeler.ch
Fondation Beyeler, Beyeler Museum AG, Baselstrasse 77, CH-4125 Riehen / Basel, Switzerland
Fondation Beyeler opening hours: 10 am - 6 pm daily, Wednesdays until 8 pm