Anselm Kiefer’s exhibition, inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, showcases new works reflecting on Kiefer’s youthful pilgrimage. The exhibitions are held at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam until 9 June and later at the Royal Academy in London from 28 June to 26 October. The exhibition features large mixed-media pieces and explores Kiefer’s enduring connection to Van Gogh’s art and themes.
Anselm Kiefer Exhibition Inspired by Van Gogh
Anselm Kiefer, celebrating his 80th birthday this weekend, has returned to the art of Vincent Van Gogh, creating new works inspired by his pilgrimage 60 years ago. Kiefer’s impressive pieces are showcased from now until 9 June at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and then at the Royal Academy of Arts in London from 28 June to 26 October.
In Amsterdam, the exhibition is a joint effort with the Stedelijk Museum, focusing on Kiefer’s connections to the Netherlands. Titled “Anselm Kiefer: Where Have All the Flowers Gone?,” the title references Pete Seeger’s 1955 anti-war ballad and highlights Kiefer’s themes of loss through his art. The Van Gogh Museum’s curation delves into Kiefer’s connections to Van Gogh’s iconic works and themes.
Kiefer’s initial journey as an artist began in 1963 when he received a travel grant to trace Van Gogh’s steps across various locations in Europe. His diary from this trip is filled with sketches and reflections, though Kiefer notes his primary interest lay in Van Gogh’s structured artistic style rather than his troubled life. Kiefer recalls, “I was not overly interested in the emotional aspect of Van Gogh’s work or in his unhappy life.”
Kiefer’s enduring connection to Van Gogh is evident in significant works like “Sol Invictus” (1995), featuring a large sunflower head and a stark representation of Kiefer himself. Although it differs from Van Gogh’s vibrant depictions, both artists share an inspiration from this flower. For practical reasons, Kiefer replaced sunflower seeds in this work, due to insect issues, using artificial seeds instead, but labelled them as genuine sunflower seeds.
Along with newly crafted mixed-media works, Kiefer’s pieces in the exhibition include “O Stalks of the Night,” which incorporates elements like gold leaf and straw reminiscent of Van Gogh’s wheatfields. Kiefer reflects on Van Gogh’s painting “Wheatfields with Crows,” stating that it transcends simple landscapes to encapsulate memory and emotion.
One of the highlights is “The Starry Night,” a monumental piece inspired by Van Gogh’s famous painting. This work, spanning nearly eight metres wide, required unique display arrangements to accommodate its size. Straw features on the canvas to echo Van Gogh’s swirling skies.
Additionally, the Amsterdam exhibition features seven Van Gogh masterpieces from the museum’s collection and other related works. Kiefer’s earlier works from 1969-82 are currently exhibited at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford until 15 June, and an exhibition titled “Anselm Kiefer: Van Gogh Journey” in Zundert showcases Kiefer’s journal from his pilgrimage.
In related exhibitions, Vienna’s Albertina is presenting “Matthew Wong–Vincent Van Gogh: Painting as a Last Resort,” exploring Van Gogh’s influence on contemporary art, featuring works by both artists.
The Kiefer-Van Gogh exhibition celebrates Kiefer’s artistic evolution, influenced by Van Gogh’s legacy. It highlights Kiefer’s unique perspective gained from tracing Van Gogh’s footsteps and his deep appreciation for the Dutch artist’s structure and technique rather than personal tragedies. This exhibition promises to offer a thoughtful exploration of interconnected themes through Kiefer’s lens, enriched by displays of Van Gogh’s original works.
Original Source: www.theartnewspaper.com