Abstract
The theme of heaven and earth has been present in Anselm Kiefer's work from the beginning (The Heavens 1969). In this article I will explore the spirituality of Kiefer's work, particularly his view of transcendence in works in which he makes use of Jewish mysticism. In doing so, I will be discussing, among others, Mark Taylor's, Daniel Arasse's and Donald Kuspit's interpretations of Kiefer's paintings. Kiefer's 'spirituality of concrete' has not only a melancholic, leaden tone of grey but also a hopeful stripe of light. It does not concern a transcendence irreparably torn from this world but a transcendence in which there is a direct connection between heaven and earth. Kiefer's 'spirituality of concrete' expresses immanent transcendence as an open question to heaven with a gleam of hope. © The Author 2010. Published by Oxford University Press 2010; all rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 397-410 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Literature and Theology |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2010 |