FLORENCE– Palazzo Strozzi is currently hosting "Fallen Angels," an exhibition dedicated to the prolific artist Anselm Kiefer until July 21, 2024.

Curated by Arturo Galansino, General Director of the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, the immersive experience features a blend of new and historical pieces. This includes a specially commissioned artwork for the palace's internal courtyard, juxtaposing Kiefer’s work with the Renaissance architecture of Palazzo Strozzi.

Pieces of art glittering in gold and white span the walls and ceilings of the famed museum. The works in this collection are awe-inspiring with a delicate elegance bathed in history. Themes of philosophy and identity shine through with some pieces showing faces writhing in emotion. Others offer beauty in the form of mundane objects and flowers blooming through rust.

The "Fallen Angels" exhibition offers a unique opportunity for audiences to engage directly with Kiefer's thought-provoking works. It is a journey through time and space which navigates the tapestry memory and imagination woven by the artist.

Anselm Kiefer, born in 1945 in Donaueschingen, Germany, has emerged as one of the most significant artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, known for his versatility across various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography and installation.

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Kiefer's artistic journey began with a profound engagement with the aftermath of World War II. Through his early works, he confronted the silence surrounding German history, employing parody and deconstruction to deal with themes of nationalism and cultural identity.

Throughout his career, Kiefer's work has been deeply intertwined with literature, poetry and philosophy. Each piece explores memory, myth and the human condition. His fascination with books as both text and object is evident as artist's books take a significant part in his work.

After extensive travels in the mid-1990s, Kiefer’s work shifted with a newfound interest in the exchange of ideas between Eastern and Western cultures. This period saw the incorporation of ancient Mesopotamian architecture and elements of Southern France's landscapes.

In addition to creating paintings, sculptures and installations, Kiefer has left a lasting impact through transforming former industrial spaces into immersive art environments. His studio-site in Barjac, France, the Eschaton-Anselm Kiefer Foundation, offers visitors a glimpse into his creative process.

The exhibition is supported both by public and private backers, including the Fondazione CR FLORENCE, Intesa Sanpaolo and Gagosian. The exhibition not only highlights the enduring relevance and impact of Anselm Kiefer's artistic vision, but also takes audiences through an exploration of the human experience.