The view from one of the galleries toward the central hall of the St. Louis Art Museum’s central hall, as seen in Saturday’s post. This is one of five massive paintings that are part of the Anselm Kiefer show. The glittering highlights around the figure in the upper center and the words across the top are in gold leaf.
Anselm Kiefer is a giant of contemporary German art. His first major U.S. museum show in 20 years is now at the St. Louis Art Museum. Five huge paintings flank the central hall, with many others in the galleries. He visited St. Louis a number of years ago and some of the work refers to the Mississippi or the Rhein. We’ve going to a walk-through with a docent today.
At least not on New Year's Day afternoon in the St. Louis Art Museum. Anselm Kiefer is is a contemporary German artist who for some years has worked from his studio in the comfort of the south of France. His images are large scale, made from mixed media including paint, lead, earth, straw, shellac and other materials. It's hard stuff, often relating to German history and culture. You can see many examples here. The piece in the photo is entitled Burning Rods. His work is a challenge to the viewer. Most of the people in the museum that day must have been off looking at the Monets. Except me and my wife. 
