In 2014, the RA showcased the work of German artist, Anselm Kiefer. Kiefer’s extraordinary body of work includes painting, sculpture and quite simply monumental installations. Uncompromising in the subject matter he tackles, Kiefer’s work powerfully captures the human experience and draws on history, mythology, literature, philosophy and science.

Anselm Kiefer

In 2014, the RA held a major retrospective of the works of German artist Anselm Kiefer, and a host of debates and lectures exploring his work. This panel discussion reconsiders Anselm Kiefer’s 1969 book ‘Heroic Symbols’, which documented his provocative performance art project known as ‘Occupations’. Panelists include art historians Christian Weikop, Lara Day and Andrew Renton.

Anselm Kiefer’s Heroic Symbols

In a discussion chaired by the RA’s Tim Marlow, Anselm Kiefer and David Chipperfield RA explore the ways in which art and architecture interact in Kiefer’s practice. Watch the video: http://bit.ly/1T3ToOQ

Anselm Kiefer in conversation with David Chipperfield

Panelists Christian Weikop, Lara Day and Andrew Renton reconsider Anselm Kiefer’s 1969 book ‘Heroic Symbols’ which documented a provocative performance art project known as ‘Occupations’.

Anselm Kiefer’s 'Heroic Symbols'

How does artist Anselm Kiefer use mythology, history, literature, philosophy and science in his work? What meanings do lead, straw, fire, earth, and water hold for him? Exhibition curator Kathleen Soriano uncovers the artist’s world and considers his oeuvre. Soriano explores the meanings behind Kiefer’s complex, layered yet sublime paintings, sculpture and installations in this discussion, originally held at the RA as part of our exhibition programme.

Curator Kathleen Soriano on Kiefer’s iconography

Subscribe for art and ideas. We host conversations with artists, architects and other leading creatives – and we've just posted podcasts from recent Festival of Ideas. Enjoy.

Anselm Kiefer’s 'Heroic Symbols'

Royal Academy of Arts