Seraphim 1984

Anselm Kiefer made ‘Seraphim’ with paint, and something else—I don't know what, maybe tar. It's hard to tell from here, but the surface looks crusty, like dried mud, which I find very exciting! Kiefer seems to be embracing the physicality of his materials, letting them buckle and crack. The palette is mostly dark and earthy, with browns, blacks, and grays, though some whites have been dragged through the image, like the whole thing has been pulled through someones teeth, creating an overall sense of decay. Focus on the ladder, it's kind of scrawny, a very thin white line. It stretches up into the sky, which is ambiguous, maybe even apocalyptic. What does it mean to ascend from that landscape? It kinda reminds me of Twombly. He similarly suggests layers of historical or cultural meaning through his use of materials and gestural marks, creating a sense of depth and complexity. But, unlike Twombly, Kiefer seems to have no issue with ambiguity. He welcomes it! He presents a vision that remains elusive and open to interpretation.