ABOUT ANSELM KIEFER

Anselm Kiefer (b.1945) played a major role in shaping the landscape of post-war German art. His vision encompasses philosophy, history and literature – ranging from intimate books that explore German identity to monumental public sculpture installations. Conceptually, Kiefer urges viewers to challenge narratives of war, identity, religion, morality, memory and history. Visually, his paintings ooze physical tactility, incorporating such organic matter as straw and sand, so his canvases become sculptural and affective.

ABOUT PHAIDON FOCUS

These well-illustrated, short introductory books cover the full span of an artist’s work, exploring its origins, development, style, themes, meanings and media.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Matthew Biro is Professor of Modern and Contemporary Art and Chair of the Department of the History of Art at the University of Michigan. An expert in twentieth-century art, he is the author of Anselm Kiefer and the Philosophy of Martin Heidegger (1998), and has also published in Art History and Artforum.