Page opening 8 from "The Heavenly Palaces: Merkabah" 1990

Editor: This is Anselm Kiefer's "Page opening 8 from 'The Heavenly Palaces: Merkabah,'" currently at the Harvard Art Museums. The stark contrast and imposing brickwork give it such a weighty, almost oppressive feel. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a meditation on history and memory, particularly German history. Kiefer often grapples with the weight of the past. The "Merkabah" title references Jewish mysticism, hinting at seeking transcendence amidst ruin. Does this juxtaposition of spiritual aspiration and material decay spark any thoughts for you? Editor: It makes me think about how we try to rebuild, both physically and metaphorically, after trauma. Is he suggesting that true transcendence requires facing the ruins? Curator: Precisely! Kiefer confronts viewers with uncomfortable truths, forcing a dialogue between historical guilt and the possibility of renewal. Perhaps art like this is a necessary step in processing collective trauma. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It’s definitely given me a lot to consider. Curator: Indeed. Art serves as a critical lens through which we can examine and hopefully learn from our shared past.