Anselm Kiefer's Monumental Exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi, Florence

Anselm Kiefer, who was born in 1945 in Donaueschingen, is the focus of a significant exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, curated by Arturo Galansino. This showcase includes both historical pieces and new works tailored to the venue, engaging themes of memory, religion, myth, and philosophy. Noteworthy exhibits comprise 'Engelssturz' (2022–2023) in the courtyard, 'Luzifer' (2012–2023) on the piano nobile, and 'Per Antonin Artaud: Eliogabalo' (2023), which alludes to Roman emperor Elagabalus. Additionally, the exhibition presents new three-dimensional works like 'La Scuola di Atene' (2022) and 'Ave Maria' (2022). The installation 'Verstrahlte Bilder' (1983–2023) showcases sixty irradiated paintings, concluding with 'Heroische Sinnbilde' (1969), where Kiefer is depicted in his father's Wehrmacht uniform. Kiefer remarks, 'Destruction is a means of making art.'