KIEFER/

VAN GOGH

Anselm Kiefer, Walther von der Vogelweide: Under the Lime Tree on the Heather, 2014. Courtesy of the artist and White Cube. Photo: Nina Slavcheva.

Anselm Kiefer, Walther von der Vogelweide: Under the Lime Tree on the Heather, 2014. Courtesy of the artist and White Cube. Photo: Nina Slavcheva.

WHAT? Kiefer / Van Gogh
WHERE? The Royal Academy of Arts, 6 Burlington Gardens, London W1S 3ET
WHEN? Now until 26th October
WHY GO? To worship two titans of the art world. More is more in this powerful exhibition where the famous German artist Kiefer pays tribute to the even more famous Van Gogh, an artist he has revered since he was a boy.
This is an exhibition that digs deep into the similarities of both artists' work, though it may not be apparent upon first glance. The hidden key is their philosophical thoughts about life. Kiefer, who is now 80, plotted a trip through France, at the age of 18, to follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh and absorb the panoramic vistas and rural lifestyle that inspired him.
With Van Gogh drawings and paintings on loan from Amsterdam and old and brand new works by Kiefer exhibited together, it’s exciting to trace the similarities that link them tenuously together. Along with succinct observations, from a personal diary kept by Kiefer all those years ago, a picture emerges of how both artists used literature, philosophy and poetry to visualise and inspire their work.
Looming large at the entrance are Kiefer’s monumental thickly textured paintings in oils, and in the next room are Van Gogh’s spidery drawings of avenues of trees and furrowed fields yet paradoxically the two twin together and the whole effect is mind-blowing.
There are Van Gogh classics not to be missed, like his poignant painting of abandoned shoes, (1886) that has been over analysed endlessly by art historians, but it’s the towering presence of Kiefer’s huge paintings that truly stir the emotions.

IN THE KNOW: Running parallel, White Cube are exhibiting a solo show of Kiefer’s most recent works that continue his homage to Van Gogh’s landscapes. Notable are a series of sunflower paintings, disturbingly dark in contrast to the sunny yellow flowers we know and love from Van Gogh. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall if ever these two artists met in the real world! Anselm Kiefer at White Cube, Mason’s Yard is on until 16th August and it is free to view.