Basel Manifesto
In Honor of Max Beckmann
Messe art Basel, April 1984

I. CRISIS

1. We are confronted with a crisis encompassing all areas of human existence.
2. The totality of this crisis makes possible and at the same time vital far-reaching changes.
3. The beginnings of these changes can be witnessed everywhere.
4. Except in the art world.

II. ART

5. It is the theory which determines the results.
6. The "Shock of Modernism" has been tamed through the new Academy.
7. The Academy has been presenting old concepts as "new" - they are neither new or significant.
8. Art and the art business are stabilizing and supporting the reactionary socio-political system.
9. Values are discussed superficially and without real interest.
10. Art is defined through power and money. Everything else is just so many words.

III. BECKMANN

11. As visionary and hero of individuation Max Beckmann is the prototype of the artist of the coming age.
12. His theory was his handicap; his outlook on life his hindrance.
13. Not understood to this day: to him painting was a magical act.
14. Self-development and impact on the world: those were his subjects.

IV. DEMANDS

15. Art and science have to be acknowledged as equally important sources of knowledge.
16. The miserable state of the art business results from an absence of relevant values. We need a new definition of values by practice and experience.
17. Art has the power to open up ways to fundamental solutions. In this way art is essential and indispensible to human life. We need artists ready to accept this challenge.