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Biography

For six decades, Hans Haacke (b. 1936, Cologne, Germany) has been a pioneer in kinetic art, environmental art, Conceptual art, and institutional critique. He has had one-person exhibitions at the New Museum, New York (2019, 1986); Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid (2012); MIT List Visual Arts Center, Cambridge, MA (2011, 1967); X Initiative, New York (2009); Generali Foundation, Vienna (2001); Serpentine Gallery, London (2001); Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam (1996); Fundació Antoni Tàpies, Barcelona (1995); Centre Pompidou, Paris (1989); Tate London (1984); Renaissance Society, Chicago (1979); Stedelijk Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven (1979); Modern Art Oxford, UK (1978); and Frankfurter Kunstverein, Frankfurt (1976), among others. He has participated in international exhibitions including documenta, Kassel (2017, 1997, 1987, 1982, 1972); Lyon Biennial (2017); Venice Biennale (2015, 2009, 1993, 1976); Liverpool Biennial (2014); Mercosul Biennial (2013); Sharjah Biennial (2011); Gwangju Biennale (2008); Whitney Biennial, New York (2000); Skulptur Projekte Münster (1997, 1987); Johannesburg Biennial (1997); Sydney Biennial (1990, 1984); São Paulo Biennial (1985); and Tokyo Biennial (1970). He won the prestigious Golden Lion (shared with Nam June Paik) at the Venice Biennale in 1993. Haacke has lived and worked in New York since 1965.

Selected Works

Selected Works Thumbnails
Hans Haacke
Calligraphie, 1989/2011
2 color photographs, 1 black & white photograph, text panel, architectural model
color photo: 59 x 44 in. (149.9 x 111.8 cm)
color photo: 22 1/8 x 17 3/4 in. (56.2 x 45.1 cm)
B&W photo: 22 x 26 1/2 in. (55.9 x 67.3 cm)
text: 16 3/4 x 34 in. (42.5 x 86.4 cm)
Model: 16 1/2 x 58 1/2 x 38 1/2 in. (41.9 x 148.5 x 97.7 cm)

Hans Haacke
Calligraphie, 1989/2011
2 color photographs, 1 black & white photograph, text panel, architectural model
color photo: 59 x 44 in. (149.9 x 111.8 cm)
color photo: 22 1/8 x 17 3/4 in. (56.2 x 45.1 cm)
B&W photo: 22 x 26 1/2 in. (55.9 x 67.3 cm)
text: 16 3/4 x 34 in. (42.5 x 86.4 cm)
Model: 16 1/2 x 58 1/2 x 38 1/2 in. (41.9 x 148.5 x 97.7 cm)

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Hans Haacke Gift Horse, 2014 horse: bronze with black patina and wax finish stainless steel fasteners and supports, bow: 5mm flexible LED display stainless steel armature polycarbonate face, 15 ft 3 in. x 14 ft 1 in. x 5 ft 5 in. (464.8 x 429.3 x 165.1 cm). Commissioned by the Mayor of London's Fourth Plinth Programme.
Hans Haacke Gift Horse, 2014 horse: bronze with black patina and wax finish stainless steel fasteners and supports bow: 5mm flexible LED display stainless steel armature polycarbonate face, 15 ft 3 in. x 14 ft 1 in. x 5 ft 5 in. (464.8 x 429.3 x 165.1 cm) Commissioned by the Mayor of London's Fourth Plinth Programme
Hans Haacke Gift Horse, (detail), 2014 horse: bronze with black patina and wax finish stainless steel fasteners and supports bow: 5mm flexible LED display stainless steel armature polycarbonate face, 15 ft 3 in. x 14 ft 1 in. x 5 ft 5 in. (464.8 x 429.3 x 165.1 cm) Commissioned by the Mayor of London's Fourth Plinth Programme
Hans Haacke Gift Horse, 2015 Installation view, Haus der Kunst, 2017. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.
Hans Haacke Gift Horse, 2014 horse: bronze with black patina and wax finish stainless steel fasteners and supports, bow: 5mm flexible LED display stainless steel armature polycarbonate face, 15 ft 3 in. x 14 ft 1 in. x 5 ft 5 in. (464.8 x 429.3 x 165.1 cm). Commissioned by the Mayor of London's Fourth Plinth Programme.

Hans Haacke
Gift Horse, 2014
horse: bronze with black patina and wax finish stainless steel fasteners and supports, bow: 5mm flexible LED display stainless steel armature polycarbonate face, 15 ft 3 in. x 14 ft 1 in. x 5 ft 5 in. (464.8 x 429.3 x 165.1 cm). Commissioned by the Mayor of London's Fourth Plinth Programme.

Hans Haacke Gift Horse, 2015 Installation view, Haus der Kunst, 2017. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Hans Haacke
Gift Horse, 2015
Installation view, Haus der Kunst, 2017. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Hans Haacke The Vindication of Dulcie September, 1997 Installation view, Haus der Kunst, Munich, 2017. Originally exhibited at the Johannesburg Biennial, South Africa, 1997. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Hans Haacke
The Vindication of Dulcie September, 1997
Installation view, Haus der Kunst, Munich, 2017. Originally exhibited at the Johannesburg Biennial, South Africa, 1997. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Hans Haacke The Business Behind Art Knows the Art of the Koch Brothers, 2014 3 color inkjet photos overall triptych framed :37 x 99 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (94 x 252.7 x 3.5 cm) frame: 2 @ 20 5/8 x 33 x 1 3/8 in. (6.7 x 83.8 x 3.5 cm) frame: 1 @ 37 x 27 1/2 x 1 3/8 in (94 x 69.9 x 3.5 cm) photo-collaged hundred dollar bills each: 8 x 16 1/2 in. (20.3 x 41.9 cm) overall installation dimensions variable Edition 1 of 1, 1 AP
Hans Haacke
Hans Haacke The Business Behind Art Knows the Art of the Koch Brothers, 2014 3 color inkjet photos overall triptych framed :37 x 99 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (94 x 252.7 x 3.5 cm) frame: 2 @ 20 5/8 x 33 x 1 3/8 in. (6.7 x 83.8 x 3.5 cm) frame: 1 @ 37 x 27 1/2 x 1 3/8 in (94 x 69.9 x 3.5 cm) photo-collaged hundred dollar bills each: 8 x 16 1/2 in. (20.3 x 41.9 cm) overall installation dimensions variable Edition 1 of 1, 1 AP

Hans Haacke
The Business Behind Art Knows the Art of the Koch Brothers, 2014
3 color inkjet photos
overall triptych framed :37 x 99 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (94 x 252.7 x 3.5 cm)
frame: 2 @ 20 5/8 x 33 x 1 3/8 in. (6.7 x 83.8 x 3.5 cm) frame: 1 @ 37 x 27 1/2 x 1 3/8 in (94 x 69.9 x 3.5 cm)
photo-collaged hundred dollar bills each: 8 x 16 1/2 in. (20.3 x 41.9 cm) overall installation dimensions variable
Edition 1 of 1, 1 AP

Hans Haacke GERMANIA, 1993, German Pavilion, Venice Biennial, 1993. Photo by Roman Mensing.
Hans Haacke GERMANIA, 1993 German Pavilion, Venice Biennial, 1993. Photo by Roman Mensing
Hans Haacke GERMANIA, 1993, German Pavilion, Venice Biennial, 1993. Photo by Roman Mensing.

Hans Haacke
GERMANIA, 1993, German Pavilion, Venice Biennial, 1993. Photo by Roman Mensing.

Hans Haacke World Poll, 2015 iPad, Mac Mini and airport base station, 56th International Art Exhibition - la Biennale di Venezia, All the World's Futures, Venice, Italy, 2015.
Hans Haacke World Poll, 2015 iPad, Mac Mini and airport base station, 56th International Art Exhibition - la Biennale di Venezia, All the World's Futures, Venice, Italy, 2015
Hans Haacke World Poll, 2015 iPad, Mac Mini and airport base station, 56th International Art Exhibition - la Biennale di Venezia, All the World's Futures, Venice, Italy, 2015.

Hans Haacke
World Poll, 2015
iPad, Mac Mini and airport base station, 56th International Art Exhibition - la Biennale di Venezia, All the World's Futures, Venice, Italy, 2015.

Hans Haacke Live Airborne System, 1968-2014 UV matte laminated color inkjet photo mounted on aluminum 33 x 55 x 1 in. (83.8 x 139.7 x 2.5 cm) Edition of 3, AP 1

Hans Haacke
Live Airborne System, 1968-2014
UV matte laminated color inkjet photo mounted on aluminum
33 x 55 x 1 in. (83.8 x 139.7 x 2.5 cm)
Edition of 3, AP 1

Hans Haacke Star Gazing, 2004 digital C-print on aluminum 20 x 30 in. (50.8 x 76.2 cm) Edition 1 of 3

Hans Haacke
Star Gazing, 2004
digital C-print on aluminum
20 x 30 in. (50.8 x 76.2 cm)
Edition 1 of 3

Hans Haacke Directed Growth, 1972 Installation view, "Endless Garden," Pompidou Metz, 2017. Photo: H Meisel.

Hans Haacke
Directed Growth, 1972
Installation view, "Endless Garden," Pompidou Metz, 2017. Photo: H Meisel.

Hans Haacke Helmsboro Country, 1990 silkscreen prints and photographs on wood, cardboard and paper box: 30 1/2 x 80 x 47 1/2 in (77.5 x 203.2 x 120.7 cm); 20 cigarettes, each: 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 69 1/2 in (16.5 x 16.5 x 176.5 cm)

Hans Haacke
Helmsboro Country, 1990
silkscreen prints and photographs on wood, cardboard and paper
box: 30 1/2 x 80 x 47 1/2 in (77.5 x 203.2 x 120.7 cm); 20 cigarettes, each: 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 69 1/2 in (16.5 x 16.5 x 176.5 cm)

Hans Haacke State of the Union, 2005 nylon banner, sewn by Deokallie Perfaud, Overall: 24 x 16 feet (7.3 x 4.8 meters)

Hans Haacke
State of the Union, 2005
nylon banner, sewn by Deokallie Perfaud, Overall: 24 x 16 feet (7.3 x 4.8 meters)

Hans Haacke
Wide White Flow, 1967/2008
electric fans, white silk fabric
dimensions variable to space:  32' 1/4" x 41' 10" (976 x 1,275 cm), as installed at Paula Cooper Gallery, January 2008
Edition 1 of 3, 1 AP

Hans Haacke
Wide White Flow, 1967/2008
electric fans, white silk fabric
dimensions variable to space:  32' 1/4" x 41' 10" (976 x 1,275 cm), as installed at Paula Cooper Gallery, January 2008
Edition 1 of 3, 1 AP

Hans Haacke
Mobilization, 1975
four-color silkscreen on acrylic plastic
single panel: 57 1/2 x 48 in. (146.1 x 121.9 cm)
Edition 1 of 6

Hans Haacke
Mobilization, 1975
four-color silkscreen on acrylic plastic
single panel: 57 1/2 x 48 in. (146.1 x 121.9 cm)
Edition 1 of 6

Hans Haacke
The Invisible Hand of the Market, 2009
vinyl, motor, mount capacitator, Sintra, kinetic hardware; unique
dimensions variable
text panel with hand: 21 3/4 x 214 x 10 in. (55.2 x 543.6 x 25.4 cm)

Hans Haacke
The Invisible Hand of the Market, 2009
vinyl, motor, mount capacitator, Sintra, kinetic hardware; unique
dimensions variable
text panel with hand: 21 3/4 x 214 x 10 in. (55.2 x 543.6 x 25.4 cm)

Hans Haacke Global Marketing, 1986 4 panels galvanized steel, glossy black silkscreen on matt black ground, 80 x 80 x 80 in. (203.2 x 203.2 x 203.2 cm)

Hans Haacke
Global Marketing, 1986
4 panels galvanized steel, glossy black silkscreen on matt black ground, 80 x 80 x 80 in. (203.2 x 203.2 x 203.2 cm)

Hans Haacke
News, 1969/2008
OKI microline 590N 24 Pin Printer with newsfeed on table, roll of paper
dimensions variable
Edition 2 of 3

Hans Haacke
News, 1969/2008
OKI microline 590N 24 Pin Printer with newsfeed on table, roll of paper
dimensions variable
Edition 2 of 3

Hans Haacke Circulation, 1969 water, air bubbles, one circulating pump, plastic tubing and connectors dimensions variable.

Hans Haacke
Circulation, 1969
water, air bubbles, one circulating pump, plastic tubing and connectors
dimensions variable.

Hans Haacke
Calligraphie, 1989/2011
2 color photographs, 1 black & white photograph, text panel, architectural model
color photo: 59 x 44 in. (149.9 x 111.8 cm)
color photo: 22 1/8 x 17 3/4 in. (56.2 x 45.1 cm)
B&W photo: 22 x 26 1/2 in. (55.9 x 67.3 cm)
text: 16 3/4 x 34 in. (42.5 x 86.4 cm)
Model: 16 1/2 x 58 1/2 x 38 1/2 in. (41.9 x 148.5 x 97.7 cm)

Hans Haacke
Calligraphie, 1989/2011
2 color photographs, 1 black & white photograph, text panel, architectural model
color photo: 59 x 44 in. (149.9 x 111.8 cm)
color photo: 22 1/8 x 17 3/4 in. (56.2 x 45.1 cm)
B&W photo: 22 x 26 1/2 in. (55.9 x 67.3 cm)
text: 16 3/4 x 34 in. (42.5 x 86.4 cm)
Model: 16 1/2 x 58 1/2 x 38 1/2 in. (41.9 x 148.5 x 97.7 cm)

Hans Haacke Gift Horse, 2014 horse: bronze with black patina and wax finish stainless steel fasteners and supports, bow: 5mm flexible LED display stainless steel armature polycarbonate face, 15 ft 3 in. x 14 ft 1 in. x 5 ft 5 in. (464.8 x 429.3 x 165.1 cm). Commissioned by the Mayor of London's Fourth Plinth Programme.

Hans Haacke
Gift Horse, 2014
horse: bronze with black patina and wax finish stainless steel fasteners and supports, bow: 5mm flexible LED display stainless steel armature polycarbonate face, 15 ft 3 in. x 14 ft 1 in. x 5 ft 5 in. (464.8 x 429.3 x 165.1 cm). Commissioned by the Mayor of London's Fourth Plinth Programme.

Hans Haacke Gift Horse, 2015 Installation view, Haus der Kunst, 2017. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Hans Haacke
Gift Horse, 2015
Installation view, Haus der Kunst, 2017. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Hans Haacke The Vindication of Dulcie September, 1997 Installation view, Haus der Kunst, Munich, 2017. Originally exhibited at the Johannesburg Biennial, South Africa, 1997. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Hans Haacke
The Vindication of Dulcie September, 1997
Installation view, Haus der Kunst, Munich, 2017. Originally exhibited at the Johannesburg Biennial, South Africa, 1997. Photo: Maximilian Geuter. © VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn.

Hans Haacke The Business Behind Art Knows the Art of the Koch Brothers, 2014 3 color inkjet photos overall triptych framed :37 x 99 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (94 x 252.7 x 3.5 cm) frame: 2 @ 20 5/8 x 33 x 1 3/8 in. (6.7 x 83.8 x 3.5 cm) frame: 1 @ 37 x 27 1/2 x 1 3/8 in (94 x 69.9 x 3.5 cm) photo-collaged hundred dollar bills each: 8 x 16 1/2 in. (20.3 x 41.9 cm) overall installation dimensions variable Edition 1 of 1, 1 AP

Hans Haacke
The Business Behind Art Knows the Art of the Koch Brothers, 2014
3 color inkjet photos
overall triptych framed :37 x 99 1/2 x 1 3/8 in. (94 x 252.7 x 3.5 cm)
frame: 2 @ 20 5/8 x 33 x 1 3/8 in. (6.7 x 83.8 x 3.5 cm) frame: 1 @ 37 x 27 1/2 x 1 3/8 in (94 x 69.9 x 3.5 cm)
photo-collaged hundred dollar bills each: 8 x 16 1/2 in. (20.3 x 41.9 cm) overall installation dimensions variable
Edition 1 of 1, 1 AP

Hans Haacke GERMANIA, 1993, German Pavilion, Venice Biennial, 1993. Photo by Roman Mensing.

Hans Haacke
GERMANIA, 1993, German Pavilion, Venice Biennial, 1993. Photo by Roman Mensing.

Hans Haacke World Poll, 2015 iPad, Mac Mini and airport base station, 56th International Art Exhibition - la Biennale di Venezia, All the World's Futures, Venice, Italy, 2015.

Hans Haacke
World Poll, 2015
iPad, Mac Mini and airport base station, 56th International Art Exhibition - la Biennale di Venezia, All the World's Futures, Venice, Italy, 2015.

Hans Haacke Live Airborne System, 1968-2014 UV matte laminated color inkjet photo mounted on aluminum 33 x 55 x 1 in. (83.8 x 139.7 x 2.5 cm) Edition of 3, AP 1

Hans Haacke
Live Airborne System, 1968-2014
UV matte laminated color inkjet photo mounted on aluminum
33 x 55 x 1 in. (83.8 x 139.7 x 2.5 cm)
Edition of 3, AP 1

Hans Haacke Star Gazing, 2004 digital C-print on aluminum 20 x 30 in. (50.8 x 76.2 cm) Edition 1 of 3

Hans Haacke
Star Gazing, 2004
digital C-print on aluminum
20 x 30 in. (50.8 x 76.2 cm)
Edition 1 of 3

Hans Haacke Directed Growth, 1972 Installation view, "Endless Garden," Pompidou Metz, 2017. Photo: H Meisel.

Hans Haacke
Directed Growth, 1972
Installation view, "Endless Garden," Pompidou Metz, 2017. Photo: H Meisel.

Hans Haacke Helmsboro Country, 1990 silkscreen prints and photographs on wood, cardboard and paper box: 30 1/2 x 80 x 47 1/2 in (77.5 x 203.2 x 120.7 cm); 20 cigarettes, each: 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 69 1/2 in (16.5 x 16.5 x 176.5 cm)

Hans Haacke
Helmsboro Country, 1990
silkscreen prints and photographs on wood, cardboard and paper
box: 30 1/2 x 80 x 47 1/2 in (77.5 x 203.2 x 120.7 cm); 20 cigarettes, each: 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 x 69 1/2 in (16.5 x 16.5 x 176.5 cm)

Hans Haacke State of the Union, 2005 nylon banner, sewn by Deokallie Perfaud, Overall: 24 x 16 feet (7.3 x 4.8 meters)

Hans Haacke
State of the Union, 2005
nylon banner, sewn by Deokallie Perfaud, Overall: 24 x 16 feet (7.3 x 4.8 meters)

Hans Haacke
Wide White Flow, 1967/2008
electric fans, white silk fabric
dimensions variable to space:  32' 1/4" x 41' 10" (976 x 1,275 cm), as installed at Paula Cooper Gallery, January 2008
Edition 1 of 3, 1 AP

Hans Haacke
Wide White Flow, 1967/2008
electric fans, white silk fabric
dimensions variable to space:  32' 1/4" x 41' 10" (976 x 1,275 cm), as installed at Paula Cooper Gallery, January 2008
Edition 1 of 3, 1 AP

Hans Haacke
Mobilization, 1975
four-color silkscreen on acrylic plastic
single panel: 57 1/2 x 48 in. (146.1 x 121.9 cm)
Edition 1 of 6

Hans Haacke
Mobilization, 1975
four-color silkscreen on acrylic plastic
single panel: 57 1/2 x 48 in. (146.1 x 121.9 cm)
Edition 1 of 6

Hans Haacke
The Invisible Hand of the Market, 2009
vinyl, motor, mount capacitator, Sintra, kinetic hardware; unique
dimensions variable
text panel with hand: 21 3/4 x 214 x 10 in. (55.2 x 543.6 x 25.4 cm)

Hans Haacke
The Invisible Hand of the Market, 2009
vinyl, motor, mount capacitator, Sintra, kinetic hardware; unique
dimensions variable
text panel with hand: 21 3/4 x 214 x 10 in. (55.2 x 543.6 x 25.4 cm)

Hans Haacke Global Marketing, 1986 4 panels galvanized steel, glossy black silkscreen on matt black ground, 80 x 80 x 80 in. (203.2 x 203.2 x 203.2 cm)

Hans Haacke
Global Marketing, 1986
4 panels galvanized steel, glossy black silkscreen on matt black ground, 80 x 80 x 80 in. (203.2 x 203.2 x 203.2 cm)

Hans Haacke
News, 1969/2008
OKI microline 590N 24 Pin Printer with newsfeed on table, roll of paper
dimensions variable
Edition 2 of 3

Hans Haacke
News, 1969/2008
OKI microline 590N 24 Pin Printer with newsfeed on table, roll of paper
dimensions variable
Edition 2 of 3

Hans Haacke Circulation, 1969 water, air bubbles, one circulating pump, plastic tubing and connectors dimensions variable.

Hans Haacke
Circulation, 1969
water, air bubbles, one circulating pump, plastic tubing and connectors
dimensions variable.