Hans Haacke

Born in Cologne in 1936 and based in New York since 1965, Haacke's strong political, cultural and social concerns are reflected in his installations, texts and sculptures. Throughout his 50-year career Haacke has frequently changed the presentation of his art to get his message across. Often borrowing from non-art sources such as corporate advertising, questionnaires or scientific experimentation, Haacke is probably the most successful and best-known late twentieth century artist to create political art that manages to hit its mark with such concision and elegance. Haacke sometimes works like a sleuth, uncovering the art world's hidden politics and economics. This practice has famously led to museum officials cancelling his exhibitions. His 1971 solo show at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum, New York, for example, was cancelled in response to his proposal to present the questionable real estate dealings of several New York companies.