Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea at the Saint Louis Art Museum
The Mississippi River has always held a special place in American culture, spanning 2,340 miles and bordering eight states. In Missouri, the city of St. Louis has seen both prosperity and decline over the years. German artist Anselm Kiefer has brought a new perspective to this iconic river with his exhibition, Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea, at the Saint Louis Art Museum.
This exhibition marks Kiefer’s first major show in the United States in 20 years, showcasing 40 works spanning five decades. The centerpiece of the exhibition is the five towering, site-specific canvases in the museum’s Sculpture Hall, offering a mesmerizing display of Kiefer’s Neo-Expressionist style.
Becoming the Sea is a testament to Kiefer’s unapologetic Romanticism, blending nostalgia for the Rhine River with homage to the Mississippi. The exhibition pays tribute to cultural icons like Wagner’s Rhinemaidens and American Beat poet Gregory Corso. Kiefer’s use of a vibrant palette of gold and aquamarine elevates the murky browns of the Mississippi into a glittering spectacle.
One of the most striking pieces in the exhibition is “Missouri, Mississippi,” a vertical diptych spanning over 30 feet. The juxtaposition of a water nymph against the Missouri River and crashing waves against a dam captures the grandeur and energy of the river and its industrial surroundings.
As a native of St. Louis, the exhibition holds a personal resonance for me, redefining my perception of “flyover country.” Kiefer’s intimate works in the East Building offer a tactile experience, inviting viewers to connect with nature and mortality through his art.
The exhibition also features sculptures from Kiefer’s series, The Women of Antiquity, which resonate with the surrounding greenery of Forest Park. The oxidized quality of Kiefer’s canvases reflects the Rustbelt’s industrial history, while newer pieces like “Becoming the Ocean, for Gregory Corso” pay homage to his earlier works.
Anselm Kiefer: Becoming the Sea is a free exhibition open to the public, offering a moment of reflection and awe amidst the devastation caused by a recent tornado in St. Louis. The exhibition challenges viewers to confront loss and beauty, inspiring a deeper appreciation for art and nature.
Experience Anselm Kiefer’s transformative vision at the Saint Louis Art Museum until January 25. Curated by Min Jung Kim, this exhibition promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
