Anselm Kiefer, a renowned German artist, has sparked controversy by exhibiting his latest works alongside Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The show, titled “Sag mir wo die Blumen sind”, features large-scale paintings that recreate famous Van Gogh landscapes and styles. However, art enthusiasts have criticized Kiefer’s approach as superficial and lacking authenticity.
Kiefer’s use of massive scale and industrial production methods is seen as a jarring contrast to van Gogh’s intimate, small-scale works. Critics argue that Kiefer’s paintings, which often feature straw or other materials, lack the nuance and emotional depth of Van Gogh’s iconic pieces. The show’s theme, which seems to focus on the artist’s own ego rather than his artistic vision, has also been widely panned.
In contrast, the museum is showcasing van Gogh’s works in their traditional context, allowing visitors to appreciate the masterpieces without Kiefer’s bombastic and over-the-top interpretations. As one curator noted, “the sort of people who come here” are likely perplexed by the juxtaposition of Kiefer’s works with Van Gogh’s.
The exhibition has also raised questions about Kiefer’s artistic intentions and his place in the contemporary art world. The artist’s fondness for provocative statements and industrial production methods has led some to accuse him of pandering to a commercial audience rather than creating genuine artistic works.
Despite this, Kiefer’s early work shows promise and sincerity, as evidenced by his youthful drawings inspired by Van Gogh’s landscapes. These pieces are now on display at the museum, serving as a poignant reminder of the artist’s humble beginnings and his connection to the master he idolizes.
Ultimately, Kiefer’s exhibition is a case study in the tension between artistic authenticity and commercial appeal. As one critic noted, “where have all the flowers gone?” – a reference to Marlene Dietrich’s cover version of Pete Seeger’s song, which is ironically featured in the show’s title. The answer, it seems, lies in the gap between Kiefer’s artistic vision and the expectations of his audience.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2025/mar/05/anselm-kiefer-review-van-gogh-stedelijk-museum-amsterdam