Anselm Kiefer

Date of Birth: March 8, 1945

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Biography

Anselm Kiefer is a renowned German painter and sculptor, born on March 8, 1945, in Donaueschingen, Germany. Kiefer’s work is deeply rooted in the history, mythology, and philosophy of Germany, often exploring themes related to the Holocaust, World War II, and the complex narratives of German identity and memory. He studied under influential artist Joseph Beuys at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, which significantly shaped his artistic vision and direction. Kiefer’s early work was controversial, especially his “Occupations” series, where he photographed himself in various locations performing the Nazi salute. This provocative series was meant to confront Germany’s past and force a dialogue about the country’s history during the Third Reich. Over the years, Kiefer has employed a variety of materials in his work, including straw, ash, clay, lead, and shellac, to create textured and layered pieces that evoke the passage of time and the weight of history. His work has been exhibited globally, and he has received numerous awards and honors, including the Praemium Imperiale Award in 1999 and the Peace Prize of the German Book Trade in 2008. Kiefer currently resides and works in France, where he continues to produce thought-provoking and monumental art.

5 Interesting Facts about Anselm Kiefer

1. Anselm Kiefer’s work often includes references to classical literature, poetry, and mysticism, integrating texts and symbols directly into his pieces.

2. He once purchased a 200-acre silk factory in Barjac, France, which he transformed into a combination of studio, art installation, and living space.

3. Kiefer’s work “The Seven Heavenly Palaces” is a permanent installation at the Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan, consisting of seven towering concrete structures.

4. He has been influenced by the works of poets like Paul Celan and Ingeborg Bachmann, whose texts have found their way into his art.

5. Kiefer was a key figure in the “New Symbolism” movement and is considered one of the most important European artists of the post-World War II era.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Anselm Kiefer

1. “Art is longing. You never arrive, but you keep going in the hope that you will.”

2. “The role of the artist is to ask questions, not answer them.”

3. “History is formed by the people who say no.”

4. “I believe art has to take responsibility but it should not give up being art.”

5. “Ruins, for me, are the beginning. With the debris, you can construct new ideas.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As of his peak, Anselm Kiefer’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Anselm Kiefer has three children from his first marriage to Renate Graf. The details of his children remain largely private, as Kiefer has kept his personal life separate from his public persona.