Art from a conflicted time: Anselm Kiefer's early works head to Oxford

The exhibition 'Anselm Kiefer: Early Works' showcases 42 pieces from the artist, created between 1969 and 1982, reflecting West Germany's struggle with its post-war identity. Kiefer's unique approach included performances and self-portraits that provocatively referenced Germany's tumultuous history, including the 1968 student revolts and Cold War tensions. The show, featuring loans from Andrew Hall's collection and recent works by Kiefer, highlights Kiefer's complex engagement with themes of memory, trauma, and artistic expression enriched by various cultural references, underscoring his significance as a transformative figure in contemporary art.

Kiefer's early works confront West Germany's post-war identity with absurd and defiant imagery, delving into themes of history, memory, and collective trauma.

Anselm Kiefer’s art of the late 1960s and early 1970s navigates a tumultuous Germany, reflecting on the legacy of the Nazi past and the Cold War.

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