Anselm Kiefer was born in Donaueschingen, Germany, in 1945. In his mostly large-format works he deals with themes and events from German history, especially the period of the Second World War. His works frequently exhibit a relief-like quality, as he extends his painting into three dimensions by incorporating objects like lead ships or dried sunflowers. Kiefer describes himself as a “bad painter”. In 1965 he took up law studies, but in 1966 also began studying painting in Freiburg. Then in 1969 he switched to Karlsruhe’s art academy, the Staatliche Akademie der bildenden Künste. From 1970 to 1972 he studied under Joseph Beuys at the art academy in Düsseldorf. Kiefer has received numerous honours and prizes. In 1990 he was awarded the Goslar Kaiserring, and in 1996 he became an honorary member of the Royal Academy of Arts. In 2005 he received the Federal Republic of Germany’s Order of Merit. His works are on view in numerous museums around the world. Kiefer now lives and works near Paris.
