This Cultural Life Anselm Kiefer
Jul 10, 2025
Anselm Kiefer, celebrated as one of today's greatest artists, discusses the complexities of Germany's history through his impactful artwork. He reflects on how his childhood, shaped by the ruins of World War II, sparked his creativity. Kiefer shares insights into the profound themes of ruin as transformation and the silence surrounding past traumas. His admiration for figures like Van Gogh and the influence of German history on his work highlight the intricate dance between art and identity. Expect deep philosophical musings paired with Kiefer's unique material use.
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Ruined Birth and Playful Childhood
- Anselm Kiefer was born in a hospital basement during a bombing raid that destroyed his home.
- As a child, he played happily with ruins and rubble, building makeshift two-story houses from debris.
Ruins Symbolize New Beginnings
- Kiefer views ruins not as ends but as beginnings, symbolizing resurrection.
- He destroys and alters his paintings to let them "get up again" in a continual process of renewal.
Early Controversial Occupations
- In 1969, Kiefer made controversial self-portraits performing the Nazi salute in his father's uniform.
- When first exhibited years later, the reactions were aggressive, showing society's discomfort with confronting war legacies.
