THE work of one of Europe’s most significant post-war artists will be put on show in Coventry.
The Herbert Art Gallery & Museum is presenting the work of Anselm Kiefer in an exhibition which spans the past 40 years of his practice.
It includes prominent paintings and photographs dating from 1969 onwards.
The works are drawn from the Artist Rooms collection owned jointly by the National Galleries of Scotland and Tate.
This is the first time the Herbert has collaborated with Artist Rooms as part of the national exhibition programme.
Born in Germany in 1945, Kiefer has produced a diverse body of work comprising of painting, photography, sculpture and installation which explores themes of national identity, human struggle and how we cope with our history.
Kiefer is famed for having an unflinching willingness to confront taboo issues from recent history, often pondering Germany’s legacy after the Second World War.
Cultural and creative director of the Herbert Francis Ranford said the exhibition showed the versatility of the gallery in bringing great art to the city.
She said: “Anselm Keifer offers an opportunity for deep reflection of global trauma that still has a current relevance today.
“The exhibition is controversial, challenging and of huge significance so we are thrilled to bring it to Coventry.
“Kiefer was born two months before the end of the Second World War so the aftermath had a huge impact on his life and, therefore, his art, something this city can identify with.
“It’s a thought-provoking exhibition that we hope will generate lots of conversation and interest in his work.”
This exhibition draws from ARTIST ROOMS, a touring collection of over 1,600 works of modern and contemporary art by more than 40 major artists.
For more information on the new exhibition go to theherbert.org
