Anselm Kiefer's monumental paintings at SLAM leave onlookers awestruck. The German artist's latest work, "Becoming the Sea," brings together layers of meaning and materials in a way that defies traditional art viewing experiences. Spanning over 12 feet tall and weighing over a ton, these behemoths of paint are not just visually striking but also an exercise in alchemy, as Kiefer transforms metal and organic materials into works of profound gravity.
Within the sprawling Saint Louis Art Museum's halls, Kiefer's five monumental site-specific paintings stand in stark contrast to more traditional gallery spaces. Utilizing a range of techniques – including emulsion, oil, acrylic, shellac, gold leaf, and sediment of electrolysis – these massive surfaces shimmer with subtle hints of gold, as the artist achieves a distinctive green hue by placing copper on one side of a large pot of saltwater and lead on the other.
The works also reveal Kiefer's deeply thoughtful approach to art-making, informed by his extensive research and reading. For example, in "For Paul Celan," he incorporates shellac, lead, clay, steel, chalk, charcoal, emulsion, oil, and acrylic to create a surface that peels like the crusted bark of a tree, with hidden recesses glinting beneath. This work pays tribute to the poet's life and struggles.
The exhibit also includes 20 works from the last five years, showcasing Kiefer's boundless creativity and ability to adapt his style to suit each new piece. From delicate woodcuts on paper to massive bronze sculptures honoring women throughout history, this body of work presents a kaleidoscope of artistic expression.
While some pieces have intricate details, others are deceptively simple – allowing viewers to discover surprising aspects in the materials and textures used. As you move around these paintings, they come alive, layer upon layer, inviting the viewer to become fully immersed in their world.
Kiefer's dedication to his craft is evident, as he continues to push boundaries with each new work. This latest exhibition at SLAM demonstrates why he remains a vital presence in contemporary art, and "Becoming the Sea" stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation and artistic expression.
Within the sprawling Saint Louis Art Museum's halls, Kiefer's five monumental site-specific paintings stand in stark contrast to more traditional gallery spaces. Utilizing a range of techniques – including emulsion, oil, acrylic, shellac, gold leaf, and sediment of electrolysis – these massive surfaces shimmer with subtle hints of gold, as the artist achieves a distinctive green hue by placing copper on one side of a large pot of saltwater and lead on the other.
The works also reveal Kiefer's deeply thoughtful approach to art-making, informed by his extensive research and reading. For example, in "For Paul Celan," he incorporates shellac, lead, clay, steel, chalk, charcoal, emulsion, oil, and acrylic to create a surface that peels like the crusted bark of a tree, with hidden recesses glinting beneath. This work pays tribute to the poet's life and struggles.
The exhibit also includes 20 works from the last five years, showcasing Kiefer's boundless creativity and ability to adapt his style to suit each new piece. From delicate woodcuts on paper to massive bronze sculptures honoring women throughout history, this body of work presents a kaleidoscope of artistic expression.
While some pieces have intricate details, others are deceptively simple – allowing viewers to discover surprising aspects in the materials and textures used. As you move around these paintings, they come alive, layer upon layer, inviting the viewer to become fully immersed in their world.
Kiefer's dedication to his craft is evident, as he continues to push boundaries with each new work. This latest exhibition at SLAM demonstrates why he remains a vital presence in contemporary art, and "Becoming the Sea" stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to innovation and artistic expression.
! I mean, who needs traditional gallery spaces when you can create an immersive experience like this? The way he layers meaning and materials is just mind-blowing - it's like a whole new language of art. And can we talk about the attention to detail in "For Paul Celan"? That work is like a poem on canvas 
. I'm not even kidding when I say that Kiefer's dedication to his craft is inspiring. He's still experimenting, still innovating, and it shows in these incredible works of art 
. What's next?
. The way he combines different materials and techniques is just genius 
. And the fact that he's creating art that's not just visually striking but also thought-provoking is what really sets him apart 
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. And I think that's what makes his latest piece, "Becoming the Sea", so special – it's like a journey into another world 
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. It invites you to slow down and really look at the details, to discover all the hidden meanings and symbolism 
. And when you do, it's like a whole new world opens up 
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and the way the light hits these huge canvases is insane. i love how kiefer isn't afraid to experiment and try new things - his dedication to art is super inspiring. but what really gets me is that these paintings aren't just for show, there's this deep thought process behind them, like he's exploring the human condition or something 
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. I mean, who else could make a painting about Paul Celan feel so intimate and relatable? 
. But what really gets me is the depth of meaning behind each piece. It's not just about looking at pretty colors and textures (although those are gorgeous too 
. And I love how the exhibit shows both his most intricate details and deceptively simple pieces that invite you to dig deeper. It's like, he's challenging us to become co-creators with his art 
Kiefer is transforming materials into something profound and thought-provoking. The fact that he's still pushing boundaries after all these years is a testament to his dedication to his craft.
. And don't even get me started on the gold leaf - it's just so... shiny 
. I mean, I guess if you're into that sorta thing, it might be impressive, but for me, it just feels like a lot of unnecessary fuss 
. Can't he just stick to what he knows and do something a bit more subtle?
for me, it's not just about creating art, it's about creating an experience 
It's like you're becoming a part of the artwork itself! The fact that he researches and reads so much into each piece is also super inspiring... it shows that art can be a way to explore and understand the world in a deeper way 
Anselm Kiefer's paintings may be massive, but they're not just about showy size – they're about substance too. It's like he's trying to tell us something profound without getting lost in the hype. And you know what really stands out about this exhibit? The attention to detail! Reminds me of how our politicians promise us " transparency" and "accountability", but it's hard to trust them when they're so busy juggling too many balls. But Kiefer, on the other hand, has his own way of juggling materials and ideas – and it's breathtaking. We need more artists like him who aren't afraid to push boundaries! 
. What I find really inspiring is how Kiefer continues to experiment and innovate – he's proof that art can be both beautiful and thought-provoking at the same time 
the way he uses all these different materials is like alchemy or something 
. and the way Kiefer adapts his style for each new piece is crazy 