Anslem Kiefer Royal Academy of art London 27Sep-14Dec 2014.

The exhibition explores the themes that run through Anslem Kiefer’s oeuvre. A retrospective and a number of new works made for the exhibition. Kiefer has achieved work that responds to poetry, myth, religion and the history of Germany post war years. He works across disciplines. As a viewer I see a portrayal of dereliction, construction and reconstruction with the use of meaning and depth. As a painter I see an artist working on a grand scale not afraid of using many unexpected materials together on a variety of surfaces.
The curator, Kathleen Soriano, working with Kiefer, begins and ends the show with artist books, from sketch and scrap books to bound watercolour paintings. Showing the importance of making the books has to his work. In his books he seeks to recreate a memory. The exhibition has left me asking questions about my work. Why do I keep returning to the Avon Gorge and the Marina at Portishead? Is it local history? Is it the past alongside the new? For example the history of the Gorge alongside modern structures. The lock and historical wooden structures at Portishead Marina with modern apartment buildings. I am seeking deep meaning and emotion within my work. The exhibition is incredibly powerful and has left me in awe of him and his work. I highly recommend a visit.