ANSELM KIEFER NEW EXHIBITION AT PALAZZO STROZZI

Anselm Kiefer. Fallen Angels, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, 2024 ©️ Anselm Kiefer. Photo by Ela Bialkowska, OKNO Studio. Courtesy of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi

The celebrated German artist will present new and historical works that engage in a profound dialogue with the Renaissance architecture of Palazzo Strozzi, including a new work especially created for the palace’s internal courtyard.
Curated by Arturo Galansino, General Director of the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, the exhibition allows direct contact with the art of Kiefer, renowned for his impactful, richly layered works that explore themes of memory, myth, history, literature, and poetry.
The term 'Fallen Angels' refers to the angels cast out of heaven for rebellion against God. This symbolic image, a representation of humanity itself, is the starting point for Kiefer’s exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi, which will unfold as a journey that reflects on topics such as identity, history, and philosophy. Through painting, sculpture, installation and photography, Kiefer's art offers deep introspection into the human condition, in a complex weaving of connections between the past, present and future.

Through the bold use of different media and techniques, Kiefer creates works with a strong physical and material presence, establishing an immediate connection with the viewer. With a deep interest in their alchemical value, Kiefer transforms raw materials such as lead, seeds, earth, flowers, sand, and ashes into imposing and evocative works, made up of dense stratifications. Being subjected to electrolysis or fire, the various elements undergo true physical change. The visual layers of his works offer multiple readings, constantly revealing new details and meanings to the observer.

Every work of Kiefer expresses a refusal of limits—not only through scale and materiality—but also through the infinite richness of resources with which he probes the depths of memory and the past. He debuted on the German art scene in the late sixties with works that, among the first, marked a reflection on the history of World War II and the emotional and cultural legacy of Germany. From here began an artistic path in which myth, religion, mysticism, poetry, and philosophy merge together.

"Anselm Kiefer has worked at Palazzo Strozzi to create a completely new exhibition that enhances the strong vitality of his art", says Arturo Galansino, General Director of the Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi and curator of the exhibition. "At Palazzo Strozzi, for the first time, Kiefer’s works will be in dialogue with Renaissance architecture, thus amplifying the stratifications of their meanings around themes such as memory, history, and war. The exhibition thus becomes an invitation to all visitors to investigate the complexity of existence between past, present and future and in the dialectic between spirituality and materiality.”

The exhibition is promoted and organized by Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi. Public supporters: Comune di Firenze, Regione Toscana, Camera di Commercio di Firenze. Private supporters: Fondazione CR Firenze, Comitato dei Partner di Palazzo Strozzi. Main Partner: Intesa Sanpaolo. With the contribution of Città Metropolitana di Firenze. With the support of Gagosian. Thanks to Maria Manetti Shrem and Fondazione Hillary Merkus Recordati.

Anselm Kiefer. Fallen Angels, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, 2024 ©️ Anselm Kiefer. Photo by Ela Bialkowska, OKNO Studio. Courtesy of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi

Anselm Kiefer. Fallen Angels, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, 2024 ©️ Anselm Kiefer. Photo by Ela Bialkowska, OKNO Studio. Courtesy of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi

Anselm Kiefer. Fallen Angels, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, 2024 ©️ Anselm Kiefer. Photo by Ela Bialkowska, OKNO Studio. Courtesy of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi

Anselm Kiefer. Fallen Angels, Palazzo Strozzi, Florence, 2024 ©️ Anselm Kiefer. Photo by Ela Bialkowska, OKNO Studio. Courtesy of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi