> [!info] Artist >https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/kief/hd_kief.htm Born: 8 March 1945 (age 79 years), [Donaueschingen, Germany](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=cd8f201e94c2caf3&hl=en-gb&sxsrf=ADLYWIKewTz2qRbtckYlT2kkoU8FAkmoCQ:1728163194734&q=Donaueschingen&si=ACC90nzx_D3_zUKRnpAjmO0UBLNxnt7EyN4YYdru6U3bxLI-L39yzSXU8oIuh1IIHqPLCMqoSteOkYUzVawAtdv29p8bYpIfiT6pXYGGhhVyyZJ8lcdfprDMYLbhtErv1ptgXnRhdmZbQB4QsjFuEbqfDtMnTpVunuiu5tjrzeTLOQMqjLrAn4bSHj9Sfe1uBkre8jlPqNrI&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjuz9fKlfiIAxVSg_0HHbXOF9EQmxMoAHoECCoQAg) Spouse: [[Renate Graf]] Periods: [Contemporary art](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=cd8f201e94c2caf3&hl=en-gb&sxsrf=ADLYWIKewTz2qRbtckYlT2kkoU8FAkmoCQ:1728163194734&q=Contemporary+art&si=ACC90nyvvWro6QmnyY1IfSdgk5wwjB1r8BGd_IWRjXqmKPQqm4BE2TCbAsDtLnw6L4Ve71PwOso9JnhrLweUj3FF9vtH-8KDDquP7ZEGxrEafy2EbrH-dUGxLKHzIiJDlfghSvCoaAlM4pwGUMV9CGyJsSaKZY5z3xHh7H_nrVmqF9aN0wjXYojsPI4wDcyUx1zeXl4km2856uDzYKkst-zlTmlDXoIw3ll2GWS0mdMXc6BjMyfinomfR6c4vaMoVRCM_kr4Nzz85mVmY5aRNZzJJvDVZIKGfg%3D%3D&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjuz9fKlfiIAxVSg_0HHbXOF9EQmxMoAHoECDUQAg), [[Neo-Expressionism]] ![[Anselmkiefer.jpg]] ### Anselm Kiefer Superstrings, Runes, The Norns, Gordian Knot [White Cube](https://www.whitecube.com) ##### 1. **Themes of the Exhibition**: • _“Superstrings, Runes, the Norns, Gordian Knot”_ combines Kiefer’s longstanding interests in mythology, [[History]], and alchemy with his newer fascination with string theory, which he sees as a metaphor for humanity’s ongoing search for meaning in a complex universe. ##### 2. **Art and Science Intersect**: • Kiefer admires string theory as an abstract and incomplete “theory of everything,” acknowledging its connections to ancient systems of thought. He sees parallels between scientific uncertainty and artistic mystery. ##### 3. **Philosophy on Meaning**: • Kiefer reflects on the human need to construct meaning, noting that systems of thought like religion or science require effort precisely because there is no inherent meaning. For him, art resides in this uncertainty. ##### 4. **Overwhelmed by Scale**: • The artist’s monumental works are driven by his sense of being overwhelmed by [[History]], science, and existence rather than an attempt to overwhelm viewers. His latest pieces explore apocalyptic landscapes and existential themes. ##### 5. **Critique of Modern Art Markets**: • Kiefer opposes the speculative nature of the contemporary art market and large fairs, insisting that they “destroy art.” His massive, impractical paintings are a deliberate rejection of market constraints. ##### 6. **Engagement with History and Politics**: • Though not explicitly political, Kiefer’s work addresses historical and existential anxieties. He critiques the resurfacing of far-right populism in Europe and reflects on democracy’s fragility. ##### 7. **Personal Drive**: • Kiefer’s work is fuelled by a lifelong quest to grapple with the unanswerable question of existence: _“Why am I?”_ While he believes life has no inherent meaning, creating art gives him a sense of purpose. [Neo-expressionism](https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&sca_esv=cd8f201e94c2caf3&hl=en-gb&sxsrf=ADLYWIKewTz2qRbtckYlT2kkoU8FAkmoCQ:1728163194734&q=Neo-expressionism&si=ACC90nzx_D3_zUKRnpAjmO0UBLNxnt7EyN4YYdru6U3bxLI-LyXoNTG5WykBwAP61LIYhDLgRzMVwCfo4SgjmF57y1cLHTwp-6wLfBKFuf-lNHo1mbLQ0gXgAO9LhR0x3LIbS2ED1CFdGnEa3TB0G-FeqasRWc9Nnc43h-5rRVKNVA1rUlcGZ0LjA4ujz8QYxjT5K5_Jyx86AeicPPe2xTnY9FBq1rf_RzmpPc-yVQ7YUmJwNFPdTaWMxjhZxcbUVof6Kue8zlTpt_kN1WpUl77woIMnHMgaYg%3D%3D&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjuz9fKlfiIAxVSg_0HHbXOF9EQmxMoAXoECDUQAw) `Concepts:` [[Art]] `Knowledge Base:`