Anselm Kiefer (b. 1945) is a German artist whose practice spans painting, sculpture, installation, photography, artist books, and works on paper. Born at the end of World War II, Kiefer’s work has consistently engaged with history, memory, and the human condition, examining how collective narratives shape identity over time. His early works draw extensively on Germany’s cultural and historical legacy, while his broader practice incorporates references to literature, mythology, religion, philosophy, music, and science.

Kiefer studied law and Romance languages before training at the School of Fine Arts in Freiburg and the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe, where he was exposed to a figurative tradition distinct from prevailing American movements. He was also in dialogue with Joseph Beuys during this period. Since the 1970s, Kiefer has developed a materially complex practice, using diverse substances to explore transformation, decay, and renewal. His work has been exhibited internationally in major institutions and is held in prominent museum collections worldwide.

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