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of art by this artist.
Anselm Kiefer Biography
Anselm Kiefer, born on March 8, 1945, in Donaueschingen, Germany, is a towering figure in the realms of painting and sculpture, whose work critically engages with the tumultuous history of Germany and the broader themes of memory, myth, and philosophy. Emerging in the post-World War II era, Kiefer's oeuvre is a profound exploration of the cultural, historical, and spiritual identity of post-war Germany, marked by an intense engagement with its Nazi past and the broader human condition.
Kiefer's early life was shadowed by the aftermath of the war; he was born in a hospital cellar as a protective measure against bombing raids. This early confrontation with destruction and chaos would deeply influence his artistic vision. His family moved to Ottersdorf in 1951, where he attended grammar school in Rastatt. Despite showing an early interest in art, Kiefer initially pursued studies in law and Romance languages at the University of Freiburg. However, his passion for art prevailed, leading him to abandon his law studies in 1966 to attend art academies in Freiburg, Karlsruhe, and later, Düsseldorf.
It was during his time at the Art Academy in Karlsruhe that Kiefer began to develop his distinctive artistic voice. He created a series of provocative photographs titled "Occupations" in 1969, where he was depicted giving the Nazi salute in various locations across Europe. These photographs, which were part of his degree show, sparked controversy due to their direct engagement with Germany's Nazi history. This bold confrontation with taboo subjects set the tone for Kiefer's career.
Kiefer's work is characterized by its monumental scale and the use of materials such as straw, ash, clay, lead, and shellac, which add a tactile, visceral quality to his paintings and sculptures. These materials are not chosen arbitrarily; each carries symbolic weight and contributes to the thematic depth of his work. For instance, lead, which features prominently in Kiefer's oeuvre, is associated with alchemy and transformation, reflecting the artist's interest in metamorphosis and the cyclical nature of destruction and rebirth.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Kiefer's work continued to evolve, incorporating references to Germanic mythology, the Kabbalah, and Christian iconography, alongside historical and literary figures. His paintings from this period, such as "Germany's Spiritual Heroes" and "Operation Sea Lion," are dense with symbolism and allusion, inviting viewers to engage with layers of meaning and interpretation.
Kiefer's engagement with history is not limited to the past; his work also addresses the present and the future, exploring themes of creation, destruction, and the search for meaning in an indifferent universe. His later works, including large-scale installations and sculptures, maintain this thematic continuity while experimenting with new forms and materials.
Despite the somber themes that pervade his work, Kiefer's art is ultimately about the possibility of redemption and the transformative power of creativity. Through his exploration of the darkest chapters of human history, Kiefer seeks to uncover moments of beauty and transcendence, suggesting that even in the face of despair, there is hope for renewal.
Anselm Kiefer's contributions to contemporary art have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Praemium Imperiale for painting in 1999. His work is held in major collections worldwide and continues to inspire and challenge audiences with its profound engagement with history, memory, and the human condition.
Anselm Kiefer Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
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