Germany-Israel: when history meets places in Jannis Kounellis΄ work

Abstract

The present study examines the work of Jannis Kounellis, a pioneering Greek figure in the Arte Povera movement, with a focus on his contributions in Israel and Germany during the final two decades of his life. Its primary objective is to shed new light on his work in these regions. This research emphasizes how Kounellis perceived the history of place and space as fundamental elements in his creative process, analyzing the historical, political, and cultural dimensions that inform his work in both countries. A key to understanding his artistic approach lies in his ability to transform everyday materials and objects into elements of historical and cultural narratives, imbuing them with complex layers of meaning and multifaceted symbolism. Using qualitative research methods, this study investigates how contemporary visual artists gather and synthesize information, linking materials and objects to the historical contexts, cultural memory, and social realities of specific locations through their symbolic meanings, often as expressions of suffering, loss, and death. It demonstrates how, in Kounellis’ work, ordinary objects become powerful metaphors that bridge personal and collective experiences, embedding them within broader historical and cultural frameworks. Consequently, the interpretation of his work shifts depending on the viewer’s geographic and experiential perspective, with particular emphasis on its resonance within the relatively underexplored artistic and cultural landscape of the Middle East.