Joseph Beuys’ connection to Ireland began in the 1940s, when he became fascinated by its distinctive geology. He was particularly in interested in the boglands, which he regarded as living archives of history, energy, and cultural memory. He was also intrigued by mythology and ancient Celtic symbolism. 

Irish energy was created during a pivotal 1974 visit to Ireland at the invitation of influential gallerist Oliver Dowling. It consists of two Irish peat briquettes, fused together with Kerrygold butter. As in much of Beuys’ work, the choice of materials carries symbological meaning. Peat, harvested from bogs, serves as both fuel and organic record; butter, a living fat, evokes nourishment and vitality. This sculpture encapsulates Beuys’ philosophy of energy transformation.