At SLAM, Anselm Kiefers Material Transformations

Published: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 3:30 pm

Anselm Kiefer's "Becoming the Sea" Exhibition Captivates with Monumental Works

Anselm Kiefer's latest exhibition, "Becoming the Sea," showcases the artist's monumental works, offering an immersive experience for viewers. The exhibition features 40 pieces spanning from the 1970s to the present, including 20 created in the last five years, and five site-specific paintings. Kiefer's paintings are known for their vast scale, with some weighing over a ton, and their dense layering of materials like tar, melted lead, and steel. These layers incorporate poems, myths, and historical references, creating a complex and engaging atmosphere.

The exhibition's concept originated from a conversation between Kiefer and the museum's director, Min Jung Kim. Inspired by Kiefer's upbringing along the Rhine and the location of the museum at the confluence of two major rivers, the show explores themes of water and transformation. The venue, built for the 1904 World's Fair, provides ample space for the large-scale works. The exhibition design, with minimal labels, natural light, and no stanchions, allows for a deeply personal and spacious viewing experience.

Kiefer's work often reflects his experiences growing up in post-World War II Germany. He uses materials in a way that evokes the alchemists of old, transforming metal and organic materials into works of profound gravity. The exhibition includes works like "For Paul Celan," which incorporates shellac, lead, and other materials to create a textured surface. The site-specific paintings in the Sculpture Hall, created using emulsion, oil, and gold leaf, feature a distinctive green color achieved through a unique oxidation process.

The exhibition also features large collages of woodcuts and sculptures, including a series honoring women throughout history. One sculpture depicts Sappho, with a towering stack of lead books in place of her head. The exhibition is a testament to Kiefer's long and intense commitment to his craft.

BNN's Perspective:

This exhibition offers a compelling look at the work of a significant contemporary artist. The scale and depth of Kiefer's work, combined with the thoughtful curation, create a truly immersive and thought-provoking experience. The museum's commitment to accessibility, with free admission, makes this a must-see for art enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Keywords: Anselm Kiefer, Becoming the Sea, Saint Louis Art Museum, SLAM, painting, sculpture, exhibition, art, contemporary art, German art, monumental, immersive, materials, lead, steel, site-specific, Paul Celan, water, rivers, World's Fair, free admission

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