At Saint Louis Art Museum, Anselm Kiefer's Immersive 'Becoming the Sea' Show Offers a Profound Exploration of the Artist's Relationship with Water.
In a sprawling installation that traverses the artist's oeuvre from 1970s to present day, Kiefer examines his profound connection with water, drawing inspiration from a pivotal journey up the Mississippi River in 1991. The 40 works on display, including five monumental site-specific paintings, delve into the turbulent and often destructive power of rivers, while also probing the artist's search for meaning and solace.
A striking centerpiece is "Missouri, Mississippi" (2024), measuring an imposing 30 feet by 27 feet, which commemorates Kiefer's journey to St. Louis in 1991. The painting depicts a woman's figure submerged beneath swirling waters, set against the dark, foreboding backdrop of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam. This image recalls "Die Orden der Nacht" (The Orders of the Night), where Kiefer found himself dwarfed by black sunflowers that seemed to absorb light.
Another compelling work is "Becoming the ocean, for Gregory Corso" (2024), which captures the dark, textured essence of the artist's landscapes. Here, sedimentary materials – including "sediment of electrolysis" – convey a sense of desolation and turmoil. Conversely, "Für Gregory Corso" (2024) presents a serene counterpoint: a contented woman soars above the waves, symbolizing the enduring spirit that sustains us amidst life's turmoil.
Through these works, Kiefer reveals himself to be a masterful sculptor of turbulent narratives, drawn to the fluidity and unpredictability of water. This ambitious show at Saint Louis Art Museum is an engaging testament to the artist's unyielding passion for exploring the sublime and complex realms that underlie our existence.
The exhibition runs until January 25, 2026.
In a sprawling installation that traverses the artist's oeuvre from 1970s to present day, Kiefer examines his profound connection with water, drawing inspiration from a pivotal journey up the Mississippi River in 1991. The 40 works on display, including five monumental site-specific paintings, delve into the turbulent and often destructive power of rivers, while also probing the artist's search for meaning and solace.
A striking centerpiece is "Missouri, Mississippi" (2024), measuring an imposing 30 feet by 27 feet, which commemorates Kiefer's journey to St. Louis in 1991. The painting depicts a woman's figure submerged beneath swirling waters, set against the dark, foreboding backdrop of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam. This image recalls "Die Orden der Nacht" (The Orders of the Night), where Kiefer found himself dwarfed by black sunflowers that seemed to absorb light.
Another compelling work is "Becoming the ocean, for Gregory Corso" (2024), which captures the dark, textured essence of the artist's landscapes. Here, sedimentary materials – including "sediment of electrolysis" – convey a sense of desolation and turmoil. Conversely, "Für Gregory Corso" (2024) presents a serene counterpoint: a contented woman soars above the waves, symbolizing the enduring spirit that sustains us amidst life's turmoil.
Through these works, Kiefer reveals himself to be a masterful sculptor of turbulent narratives, drawn to the fluidity and unpredictability of water. This ambitious show at Saint Louis Art Museum is an engaging testament to the artist's unyielding passion for exploring the sublime and complex realms that underlie our existence.
The exhibition runs until January 25, 2026.
about this new Anselm Kiefer show at Saint Louis Art Museum! 
He explores his crazy relationship with water in such a profound way, and it's actually kinda deep 
. I mean, who knew art could be so... fluid? 
The giant painting "Missouri, Mississippi" is literally mind-blowing 
- the way he captures the swirling waters and dark skies is hypnotic 
.
. Like, have you seen those black sunflowers from "Die Orden der Nacht" that just suck all the light out? 
It's like, he's trying to tell us something... and that's what makes art so amazing - it's like a puzzle we can all try to solve together 
.
. It's running until January 25, 2026, and trust me, it's worth the trip 
️. Bring a friend... or two... or ten 
!
I wish I could see this show in person ASAP 
I'm loving this immersive experience by Anselm Kiefer, but you know who else has been navigating turbulent waters? Our nation's leaders have been dealing with some major river-bank crises of their own 
. Remember when the Trump administration was all about draining the swamp in DC? Sounds kinda like Kiefer's quest to explore the depths of his own connection with water, right? 
On the other hand, it's refreshing to see an artist using their platform to highlight the importance of the environment. Maybe we can learn from Kiefer's 'Becoming the Sea' how to navigate our own messy politics 
. anyways, if you're into that sorta thing i guess its worth checking out... but honestly, i need a nap now 
. I'm obsessed with this show, can't wait to see it until Jan 25 
. The way he captures the turbulent energy of water and our place within it? It's so hauntingly beautiful 
. What really struck me was how this show feels like a reflection of us as humans - constantly seeking balance, trying to make sense of our world... Kiefer's art is like a reminder that we're all in this together 
. Anyway, I'm totally obsessed with his work now and can't wait to see more 
This show is definitely not for everyone, but if you're looking for something that'll make you think and feel something deep in your chest, then this is the one 
It's so powerful to see the artist's connection with water on display like this. I'm definitely going to check it out before it closes in January! 
. Only thing keeping me from geeking out over this exhibit is the fact I have to wait till Jan 2026 to see it in person...
Can't wait to see "Missouri, Mississippi" in person - it sounds like a real showstopper! 
I mean, who knew black sunflowers could be so ominous? And how beautiful is that other piece "Becoming the ocean"... it's like a symphony of textures and emotions 
. It's like he's trying to tell us something about ourselves, you know? Our relationship with nature & our place in the world 
. Definitely going to check out this exhibit when it comes around 