Anselm Kiefer on Destruction, History, and His Venice Palazzo Ducale Installation

Anselm Kiefer has created a site-specific installation at Palazzo Ducale's Sala dello Scrutinio in Venice, on view until October 2022. Titled "Questi scritti, quando verranno bruciati, daranno finalmente un po' di luce (Andrea Emo)," the work features new paintings engaging with historical masterpieces by Bellini, Carpaccio, Veronese, Titian, and Tintoretto. The title quotes 20th-century Venetian philosopher Andrea Emo, whose ideas on being and nothingness resonate with Kiefer's practice. Kiefer discusses his use of fire as a creative tool since the 1970s, referencing works like "Painting of the Scorched Earth" and his 1980 Venice Biennale exhibition "Verbrennen, Verholzen, Versenken, Versanden." He describes the two-year project as a challenge to "paint over" Tintoretto's works and immerse himself in Venice's contradictory history. Kiefer views history as malleable material, not fixed narrative. He connects destruction to creation, stating "the destruction is a means to make art," and mentions exposing paintings to electrolysis and radiation. Reflecting on war, he asserts the Third World War has been ongoing since 1991, criticizing the West's post-Soviet triumphalism. Kiefer recalls his 1969 "Occupations" performance with a Hitler salute to confront taboos. He finds inspiration in Venice's ruins and the golden mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica, linking gold to excrement via Octavio Paz and capitalism. The interview was conducted by Arianna Testino for Artribune.