Anselm Kiefer, Alkahest, 2021-2022, Emulsion, oil, acrylic, shellac, gold leaf, steel, paint bucket and charcoal on canvas, 190 x 380 cm.
ANSELM KIEFER: GOLDEN AGE
Villepin is pleased to announce a solo exhibition of German artist Anselm Kiefer in Hong Kong, Anselm Kiefer: Golden Age, opening in May, 2023. Presenting works which evoke the mythology and nostalgia of the ancient "Golden Age,” the exhibition coincides with a special moment for Hong Kong as the city reopens its borders and looks forward to a new era for the gallery.
Through the long-standing personal relationship between the founders of Villepin and Anselm Kiefer, the exhibition has been collaboratively curated and offers a selective view of the practice of one of the most important artists of his generation. Anselm Kiefer: Golden Age will feature paintings and a sculpture created between 2020 and 2022. The exhibition will be accompanied by salon talks, guided tours, and educational materials.
The exhibition title Anselm Kiefer: Golden Age takes its cue from Greek and historical myths, which often allude to the peak of human civilization, denoting a period of primordial prosperity and peace. Kiefer has previously referenced German philosopher and cultural critic Ernst Bloch, who renews the core idea of, and interest in, utopia. In his book The Principle of Hope, Bloch explores the idea of the Golden Age as a utopian ideal, defining the concept of utopia as a philosophy that envisions a better future for humanity. Bloch argues that hope and striving for a better world are fundamental to human existence, and that this impulse is what drives people to create art, music, and literature. Installed across three floors in the gallery, Kiefer's works allude to the utopian ideal, capturing the transformative nature and alchemical process of their creation.
Featured in the exhibition, works such as Alkahest and For Segantini both depict the imagery of mountains, which serve as a recurring motif and can be interpreted as a metaphor for utopia. Like much of Kiefer’s oeuvre, the works are inspired by verses from his favorite poets, as well as by the myths and legends of diverse cultures and places. Layered with gold leaf, lead, oil, acrylic, soil, and sediment, Kiefer’s works reflect continued reinvention of material and subject matter. Other recurring visual motifs in the exhibition include bicycles and wheels, conveying the idea of renaissance and cyclical changes from one place to another.
*Audio guide for the exhibition Anselm Kiefer: Golden Age is now available. Visitors may listen to the audio narration as they walk through the gallery space to learn more about the theme, the artist’s creative process and background story behind each work.
The audio guide is available in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, simply by scanning the QR code next to each work with a smartphone to access. Visitors will have to bring their own earphones or headsets to listen to the guide.
Our public guided tours and private tour bookings remain available throughout the exhibition. For more information and booking inquiries, please contact info@villepinart.com
Exhibition Opening: 19 May – September, 2023
Space: 53-55 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Sunday - Wednesday | 11AM to 6PM (By appointment only)
Thursday - Saturday | 11AM to 7PM (Open to Public)
