Kiefer’s early works are known for confronting and examining Germany’s dark history and the disastrous legacy of the post-Second World War era. From that pivotal point, Kiefer embarked on a journey using painting, sculpture, installation, and photography to explore the complex connections between past, present, and future. This exploration manifests in allegories, figures, and forms that probe questions of identity, history, and mysticism. Deeply immersed in alchemy, Kiefer’s oeuvre remains a captivating exploration of the profound and complex facets of human existence.

What is striking about the artist’s multifaceted work, which is a reflection of his wide-ranging interests, is the continual and invigorating immanence of philosophical, historical, literary, and musical concepts. Kiefer goes beyond traditional fine arts, incorporating elements of philosophy, history, literature, and even creating a poetic essence in his works. As observed elsewhere, Kiefer’s approach to art defies categorization solely under the label of “fine arts.” The conversation with Arturo Galansino, published in this catalog, reveals a deep trove of images, intuitions, comparisons, experiences, influences, and sources of ideas, ranging from Anaximander to Nietzsche, from Bach to Handel, and far beyond.