German artist Anselm Kiefer has launched a major retrospective titled “Becoming the Sea” at the Saint Louis Art Museum, showcasing a series of monumental paintings inspired by the Mississippi River and Europe’s Rhine River. These striking works, each towering three stories high, reflect Kiefer’s deep engagement with themes of history, memory, and mortality.
During a recent visit to the museum, Kiefer discussed the inspiration behind his artwork, drawing parallels between rivers and life. “This river goes through America, and so with this conscience I have an inner overview of America, of the continent, of the world,” he explained, as he admired the Mississippi. The title “Becoming the Sea” is derived from the Beat Generation poet Gregory Corso, who famously wrote, “Spirit is life … like a river unafraid of becoming the sea.”
Exploring Themes of Memory and Mortality
The exhibition features several paintings that symbolize the cycle of life through the imagery of flowing rivers. Kiefer remarked, “A river dissolves itself in the sea. And it’s not afraid of this. As I am not afraid of my death.” This reflection on mortality is a recurring theme throughout his work, rooted in his experiences growing up in post-World War II Germany amidst the lingering shadows of the Holocaust.
Kiefer noted the silence surrounding these historical events, stating, “After the war, there was not so much knowledge about what happened. The Germans, they put it underneath the carpet.” He has dedicated his career to confronting this silence, often integrating provocative elements into his art. As a young student, he even photographed himself giving the Nazi salute, a powerful act of reckoning rather than endorsement.
When asked about the role of the artist in society, Kiefer emphasized the importance of awareness: “If the artist is in the world, like I am in the world, as I look what happens, then automatically you have a role.”
A Prolific Career and Ongoing Discontent
Over the decades, Kiefer has become one of the most significant living artists, with works that command millions in sales and are housed in museums globally. His distinctive style incorporates diverse materials, such as melted lead and fire, which he employs to create unexpected colors and textures. His 2018 piece “Sunday Morning,” for instance, reflects his innovative approach to art.
As Kiefer approaches his 80th birthday, he continues to challenge himself creatively. When asked about his pride in his body of work, he responded with humor, “You ask strange questions! I am not proud. I am disappointed!” He elaborated, “Every morning I go in the studio and say, ‘Oh, what I have done yesterday?’ And then I continue. Proud? No, no. I don’t know this word for me, proud.”
The exhibition “Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea” runs until January 25, 2024, and offers a compelling exploration of the artist’s profound reflections on life, history, and the human experience. Visitors can witness firsthand the impactful narratives woven into Kiefer’s monumental canvases, engaging with art that transcends boundaries and speaks to the shared human condition.
