When the expansive, textured canvases of Anselm Kiefer meet the bold, emotive brushstrokes of Vincent van Gogh, something extraordinary happens. It’s not just a celebration of artistic genius but an exploration of how creativity transcends time, transforming shared struggles and triumphs into something universal. Anselm Kiefer: Where Have All the Flowers Gone invites viewers into this intricate interplay between two visionaries. Hosted across the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, the exhibition runs from March 7 to June 9, offering a singular opportunity to witness the ways these two artists, separated by more than a century, converge in spirit and practice.
A Journey Through Art and Influence
This landmark collaboration bridges Kiefer’s enduring fascination with Van Gogh and the Dutch master’s influence on his work. It’s a meeting of minds and methods, one that goes beyond surface comparisons to delve into the heart of their shared ethos: a relentless pursuit of truth through art. The exhibition begins with Kiefer’s teenage explorations, where he retraced Van Gogh’s path through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. These formative journeys, captured in early sketches, offer a glimpse into Kiefer’s youthful reverence for Van Gogh’s process and his burgeoning artistic identity.
At the Van Gogh Museum, visitors will encounter Kiefer’s interpretations of Van Gogh’s themes, reimagined through a modern lens. Among the standout works is The Starry Night (2019), an homage that reinterprets Van Gogh’s celestial masterpiece using Kiefer’s signature materials—straw, gold leaf, wood, and acrylic—creating a tactile and layered landscape. Alongside Kiefer’s works, Van Gogh’s corresponding paintings, particularly those from his time in Provence, offer a direct visual dialogue between the two artists.
This part of the exhibition isn’t merely an exploration of influence; it’s a reflection on how both artists pushed the boundaries of their respective mediums. Where Van Gogh channeled raw emotion into color and movement, Kiefer transforms materiality into storytelling, using his works to wrestle with history, memory, and meaning.
The Stedelijk: Bigger, bolder, Kiefer-er
While the Van Gogh Museum explores the connections between the two artists, the Stedelijk Museum focuses entirely on Kiefer’s evolution. In an unprecedented move, the museum will display every Kiefer piece in its collection, creating a comprehensive showcase of his oeuvre. These works range from his evocative films to monumental canvases that confront the weight of European history.
The centerpiece of the Stedelijk exhibition is a newly commissioned 24-meter-long installation. Enveloping the museum’s historic staircase, this colossal work is a sensory spectacle composed of paint, clay, dried rose petals, gold, costumes, and remnants of Second World War uniforms. Its title, Where Have All the Flowers Gone, references an iconic anti-war song, underscoring Kiefer’s lifelong meditation on the fragility of beauty amidst destruction. The materials themselves, imbued with history and symbolism, speak to the themes of impermanence and resilience that echo throughout his work.
The Stedelijk’s focus on Kiefer’s engagement with historical memory offers a counterpoint to the personal and introspective themes explored at the Van Gogh Museum. Together, the two exhibitions form a holistic narrative of Kiefer’s artistic journey and his enduring dialogue with Van Gogh.
Beyond Amsterdam
The impact of this ambitious exhibition doesn’t end in Amsterdam. Later this year, the Van Gogh Museum will collaborate with London’s Royal Academy of Arts to adapt and expand the show, ensuring its themes resonate with an even broader audience.
An Invitation to Reflect
Anselm Kiefer: Where Have All the Flowers Gone is bound to result in an immersive experience that challenges viewers to consider how art captures the essence of human experience. Whether through Van Gogh’s vibrant brushstrokes or Kiefer’s monumental installations, the works on display will remind us that creativity is a timeless act of courage and connection.
In a world where flowers may wilt and eras fade, this exhibition offers a poignant reminder: the seeds of artistic brilliance endure, taking root in unexpected places and flourishing across generations.
---
Words by AW.
Photo courtesy of Georges Poncet.