Anselm Kiefer embraces Van Gogh's legacy through his controversial works

Anselm Kiefer is a renowned artist known for his vast installations and original painting style. In his recent exhibitions at the Royal Academy, he explores themes inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, particularly a sinister reinterpretation of Van Gogh’s 'Starry Night'. Kiefer's works include physical elements like corn stalks embedded into the canvas, augmenting the emotional texture and atmosphere of the artworks. His innovative use of materials and grand scale creates a stark contrast to Van Gogh's vibrant and life-affirming views on nature. The artist's oeuvre reflects a deep-rooted obsession with Van Gogh, who is often celebrated for his emotional struggles and ultimate tragedy. Kiefer acknowledges Van Gogh's profound impact on contemporary art while simultaneously aiming to challenge notions of beauty and positivity in landscape painting. This relationship to Van Gogh is both a tribute and a critique, as Kiefer’s works tend to embody a darker, more chaotic view of existence. Throughout the years, Kiefer has been vocal about his self-identification as an heir to the Dutch master's legacy, yet his approach diverges significantly. Where Van Gogh’s paintings capture a nourishing exuberance of life, Kiefer's interpretations imbue a sense of doom and devastation, often referencing the enduring scars left by war in Europe. His paintings are layered with gold leaf reminiscent of medieval artistry but subsume a fatal decorative quality that diverges starkly from Van Gogh’s intent. Kiefer’s complex evolution as an artist reveals how he uses Van Gogh as a vehicle for greater existential examinations. In recent critiques, reviewers note that Kiefer's ambition may come off as bombastic, yet it is undeniably impactful on a physical and thematic level. His explorations and reimaginings may leave viewers both intrigued and perplexed, reflecting the duality of admiration and interpretation that can exist between artists across generations.