In 1963, Anselm Kiefer traced the steps of Vincent Van Gogh through the Netherlands, Belgium and France. This exhibition is the product of Kiefer's lifelong fascination with Van Gogh and presents some of the works inspired by his travels and by the compositions of his mentor. The interesting handout which accompanies the exhibition provides excerpts from Kiefer's diaries about his journey and offers a thought-provoking insight into his youthful engagement with Van Gogh's work. That preoccupation was not confined to his youth, however. It was to be ongoing, and even Kiefer's most recent output references Van Gogh. The first and third galleries of the exhibition focus on Kiefer's own monumental works which address subjects inspired by Van Gogh, while the second gallery contains smaller pieces and sketches which are fascinating to compare with Van Gogh's treatment of similar scenes. Indeed, for us, this was perhaps the most intriguing of the three galleries where we could directly juxtapose the artists' approaches to similar subject matter. The dialogue set up between Kiefer and Van Gogh's creative perspective on the roads and fields around Saint-Rémy and Arles was a highpoint of the show, with these smaller works providing the viewer with an intimate perspective on the artists' creative processes. The exhibition concludes with Anselm Kiefer's The Starry Night (De sterrennacht) (2019). It is a stunning homage to the original, and stands in its own right as a quite overwhelming creation. While Van Gogh's work emphasises the distinction between earth and the sky, the human plane and the cosmos, Kiefer's interpretation, with its use of straw to represent the celestial, sets up a connection between the two spheres. It is an intriguing contrast to, and commentary on, the original. While Van Gogh's smaller piece exudes a sense of aspiration and longing, Kiefer's enormous work subtly implies a sense of synergy and belonging. While there is a powerful sense of wonder in both works, one senses it comes from quite different places. Ultimately, this exhibition proves to be a thoughtful exploration of both creative influence and the importance of the artistic tradition. Providing an opportunity to compare and contrast the technique and distinct approaches to similar subject matter by two very different artists, it enriches our appreciation of both of them.
Rated: ★★★★
Reviewed by J.C.
Image: Anselm Kiefer, The Starry Night (De sterrennacht), 2019. Courtesy of the artist and White Cube. Photo: Georges Poncet. © Anselm Kiefer
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