- Venue
- Northumbria
- Location
- North East England
Ah the art of the post war era. A time when art was as caught up in rebuilding as the rest of the world. Currently, at the Baltic centre for contemporary art in Gateshead, is showing work from Anselm Keifer. One of the most foremost artists of the post war era and is currently occupying two floors at the Baltic including a instillation which really sets everything off for the public.
His work really captures his own and Germany’s past after the horrifying battle of world war two, but lately, his work has been set on a religious theme. Perhaps to battle the demons of his own past? Also, the sheer scale of his work reflects back onto this theory. How big the painting is can give a sense of overwhelming prospect of being looked down upon, of almost being judged as a human being, instead of a public viewer of art.
Kiefer’s art materials could be even more demanding on the human soul than the painting itself. Lead, ash, even human hair can make us all feel part of a bigger picture in a possible, crushing modern culture. That somehow we all fit in to this bigger picture that the artist has captured for us to be able to see the world through his eyes.
When looking at work from galleries or even the Internet of this artist, one can get a sense of sheer, raw emotion that most people don’t often express. Keifer has caught that same emotion, but in images, instead of words.
His show leaves people stunned, shocked and amazed on how they feel at the end of it. The artwork of Anselm Keifer leaves you thinking about where your own life is dragging you. Do we have control over it? Or is it just organised chaos that we try to control but have no control over at all?
