“The Pack” by Joseph Beuys, conceived in 1969, is an assemblage installation representative of the Conceptual Art movement. The artwork presents an evocative configuration, compelling viewers to engage with the conceptual underpinnings and narrative conveyed through its arrangement.
The artwork features a weathered van with its rear doors ajar, from which a multitude of sleds emerge in an orderly formation. Each sled is equipped with basic survival tools, including rolled blankets, small flashlights, and tins tied with straps. This installation creates a striking visual narrative, evoking themes of survival, emergency, and preparedness. The orderly yet urgent arrangement of the sleds suggests a rapid response or escape, inviting contemplation on the necessities of human existence and the role of logistical organization in times of crisis.