The High Priestess. Zweistromland 1989

Zweistromland, or "The High Priestess", is a sculpture by Anselm Kiefer, who was born in Germany near the end of the Second World War. Kiefer's work often grapples with the weight of German history, myth, and collective memory. This piece, whose title refers to Mesopotamia, is a powerful example of how Kiefer uses materials to evoke themes of destruction, memory, and cultural identity. The sculpture consists of two metal bookcases filled with lead books, a recurring motif in Kiefer's oeuvre. The use of lead is particularly significant, as it symbolizes the alchemical transformation of base metals into gold, mirroring Kiefer's attempt to transmute the dark aspects of history into something meaningful. The books, heavy and unreadable, represent the burden of knowledge and the weight of the past. Consider the artist's quote: "Art is an attempt to face the chaos." Doesn't this work embody that sentiment? It serves as a poignant reflection on the human condition and our relationship to history. As you stand before it, allow yourself to feel the weight of the past.