Osiris and Isis 1987

Anselm Kiefer created this epic, earthy painting of Osiris and Isis with oil, acrylic, and probably a whole lot of grit. The muted palette of browns and grays feels like digging into the earth itself, which seems perfect, right? You can almost feel the weight of history and myth in every brushstroke. Kiefer's paintings aren’t just pictures, they're like archaeological sites, built up with layers of meaning and material. Look closely, and you'll see that the paint is thick, almost sculptural. There are bits of straw or debris mixed in, creating a rough, tactile surface. It’s as if Kiefer is trying to capture something primal, something that exists beyond words. I see a kinship to the Arte Povera artists, who turned away from traditional art materials to find beauty and meaning in the everyday. Kiefer, like them, is reminding us that art can be found in the most unexpected places.