Born in Germany, Anselm Kiefer studied under Peter Dreher and Horst Antes in the late 1960s. His work emerged as a significant force in contemporary art through his exploration of collective memory and the cultural trauma of the post-war era, often drawing inspiration from the poetry of Paul Celan and the traditions of Kabbalah.

Kiefer is recognized for his monumental, multi-layered canvases and installations that utilize heavy, raw materials to create a sense of physical and historical weight. His signature aesthetic often involves the integration of lead, shellac, and organic matter, resulting in surfaces that appear weathered, scarred, or archaeological in nature.

Recent recognition includes major institutional presentations, such as the 2025 dual-site exhibition in Amsterdam co-hosted by the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum. His work continues to be a focal point for international collections, with significant solo exhibitions at the Centro de Arte Hortensia Herrero and inclusion in major surveys at the Serralves Foundation.