Anselm Kiefer, *1945

He is one of the most significant present-day German artists but also one of the most controversial. His complex, critical engagement with German history and the close relationship between art and political expression are central to his work - stimulated by his teacher, Joseph Beuys. Kiefer is especially well known for his relief paintings in which he combines lead, glass, wood and parts of plants. These epic material pictures are often based on overpainted photographs. Kiefer creates additional meaning through the interaction of image and text. He has also produced large-format lead sculptures, watercolours and woodcuts. Works by Kiefer are exhibited in museums around the world. Important pieces can be seen in the contemporary collection of the Lenbachhaus in Munich. His works are on show at the New Museum in Weimar and the Kunsthalle in Bonn. A major collection of Kiefer works can also be seen at the Hamburger Bahnhof in Berlin.